Following the temporary suspension of petroleum product sales in naira by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the Arewa Youth Assembly has called on Dangote Petroleum Refinery to disclose the actual cost of producing a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The group stated that the move by Dangote to halt the supply of petroleum products in naira vindicates their earlier concerns that the refinery is engaging in deceptive practices.

The group, in a statement signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, on Thursday, alleged that the Dangote refinery had previously criticised other marketers for purchasing crude in dollars while claiming to buy in naira, only to now align with the same dollar-based transactions.

According to Danlami, Dangote’s claims of offering cheaper fuel were misleading, as some independent marketers had sold at lower prices.

He urged regulatory agencies to ensure that the refinery operates in a manner that prioritises national interest over private profit.

The statement said: “Now that Dangote Refinery has suspended sales in naira, we challenge the company to be transparent and disclose the actual cost of producing a litre of PMS. The real competition begins now, as Dangote, just like the marketers he once criticized, is now operating with dollar-based transactions. Nigerians deserve accountability and clarity.

“Furthermore, we accuse Dangote of manipulating the government into a deal that is detrimental to economic progress.

“His recent attempt to create artificial scarcity was only prevented by the government’s decision to allow marketers to import products. Without this intervention, Nigeria could have faced a fuel crisis similar to that in Niger Republic.

“The nation has had enough of Dangote’s self-promotion and misleading claims of offering cheaper products while simultaneously criticising other importers who, in some cases, sold at lower prices than him. This is nothing but a calculated strategy to maximise profits at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

“We urge Nigerians to resist being misled and exploited by Dangote Refinery and its affiliates. Additionally, we call on the country’s petroleum regulatory bodies to hold Dangote Refinery accountable and ensure that it operates in a manner that prioritises the interests of Nigerians above private profits.”