Fuel Rush in Lagos as MRS Slashes Prices, Long Queues Emerge
The usual Christmas Eve bustle in Lagos has intensified into a citywide scramble for fuel following a sharp reduction in pump prices by MRS Oil Nigeria PLC. The move has provided welcome relief to motorists during the peak of the 2025 festive season, but has also triggered widespread congestion as drivers converge on MRS retail outlets across the state.
On Wednesday, December 24, traffic built up around several major roads as vehicles queued for hours to access the discounted fuel. The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit at MRS stations was reduced from an average of about ₦890 per litre to ₦739 per litre, making it one of the most competitive offers in the Lagos market. The sudden price drop reshaped travel patterns across the metropolis, with motorists diverting to MRS outlets in large numbers.
The reduction follows a pricing adjustment by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which recently lowered its gantry price to ₦699 per litre as part of efforts to improve fuel affordability nationwide. MRS has been among the first major marketers to transmit the savings directly to consumers, resulting in heavy patronage. Long but largely orderly queues were recorded at stations in Alaka, Onipanu, Anthony, and Alapere, as well as along Oba Akran and Kodesho Street in Ikeja. Similar scenes were observed in high traffic areas such as Abule Egba and Ojota.
The impact of the price cut was immediate, as many motorists avoided nearby filling stations still selling petrol at between ₦880 and ₦890 per litre. While the influx of vehicles led to localized gridlock, particularly around Computer Village and along Iju Road near Pen Cinema, public reaction remained largely positive. Commercial drivers and commuters expressed optimism that the reduced fuel cost could lead to lower transport fares during the Christmas and New Year period.
However, the implementation of the new pricing regime was not entirely uniform. Some MRS outlets in areas such as Idimu and Akowonjo were reported to have temporarily retained the previous rates, citing the need to dispense existing stock purchased at higher prices. In response, the Dangote Group reiterated its support for the ₦739 pump price and introduced a reporting channel for members of the public to flag cases of overcharging. Analysts view this intervention as a strong attempt to stabilize the downstream petroleum market and shield consumers from the artificial scarcity and price volatility often associated with the holiday season.
READ ALSO:Fire Guts Multi-Million Naira Insurance Building in Lagos, Casualties Feared
As competition intensifies, the wider fuel market in Lagos is facing growing pressure to adjust prices downward. With other major marketers such as Mobil, TotalEnergies, and ConOil yet to reflect similar reductions, the sustained rush at MRS outlets underscores the influence of pricing on consumer behavior. As the countdown to the New Year continues, stakeholders are calling on regulators and government agencies to ensure that the benefits of reduced fuel prices extend beyond Lagos and other urban centers to communities across the country. Formore information, I recommend SongBuxNews.