Fuel Prices Will Not Increase Despite 15% Import Tariff – Dangote Assures Nigerians
Oluwatobi Adu 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Dangote Group has reassured Nigerians that the newly approved 15% import duty on petrol and diesel will not lead to a hike in pump prices, dismissing fears of a looming increase.
Responding to public concerns in an interview on Arise News on Sunday, the Group’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the tariff is intended to protect local refineries, not raise fuel prices.
“The fear of an increase is highly misplaced. The 15% duty is to prevent dumping — not to raise pump prices,” Chiejina stated.
He noted that the tariff aligns with global trade standards, prevents foreign companies from flooding the Nigerian market with cheaper imported fuel, and supports domestic production.
The comment follows criticisms by APC chieftain Chief Ayiri Emami, who claimed the tariff would worsen economic hardship. Chiejina rejected this, stating that the policy supports national industrial growth.
“No country encourages dumping. Dumping kills jobs, kills industries, and kills government revenue. This policy ensures local refineries can thrive,” he added.
Chiejina assured that fuel prices will remain stable for the rest of the year.
The clarification comes as local refining capacity increases, particularly with the scaling output of the Dangote Refinery.
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