Business
Exchange Rate: NERC to increase price of prepaid meters
Exchange Rate: NERC to increase price of prepaid meters
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is considering increasing the price of prepaid metersĀ once again.
This consideration comes in response to the escalating production costs faced by meter manufacturers, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Nairametrics.
These sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that manufacturers have ceased issuing invoices to Distribution Companies (Discos), in anticipation of an upward price revision by the NERC.
According to the sources, the increase in prices is directly related to the foreign exchange crisis affecting the economy, leading to increased production costs and inflationary pressures on manufacturers.
Earlier last week, NERC accused the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) nationwide of overcharging unmetered customers,Ā resulting in a fine of N10.5 billion.
Meanwhile, an official from a Distribution Company informed Nairametrics that new applications for meters are no longer being processed, as there are indications that NERC will soon announce a new pricing rate.
The source also mentioned that the applications can only be processed once the new prices are announced, leaving many applicants without a prepaid meter.
He said,
- āThe cost of prepaid meters is going to go up soon. Meter Asset Providers have stop selling new meters as they await NERC to approve new prices.
- āNew meter applications are not being processed until the price changes are reflected.
- So due to FX issues, the meter manufacturers have stopped sending invoices until the meter price is reviewed.ā
Some customers who spoke to Nairametrics complained of not being able to get meters despite applying weeks earlier and in some cases months. Others who had paid for their meters also complained of delays in getting the meters.
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Another DisCo source opined that the new applications for meters are not being processed until the cost of meters is reflective of the situation in the country. However, they stated that customers who have paid will get their meters and may not be required to pay any other cost regardless of whether a new meter cost is approved.
NERC, the sector regulator, approves the cost of prepaid meters, most of which are imported into the country as semi-knocked down units and assembled locally for use. Prepaid meters have also evolved over the years with DisCos including features that mitigate against energy theft and offering more consumption data.
Nigeriaās meter deficit is thought to be overĀ 7 million as most customers continue to be billed on estimates.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has earlier reported in its āManufacturing Sector Outlook for 2024ā, the that average capacity utilization is expected to linger around the 50% mark due to forex-related challenges and the prevailing high inflation rate.
The report noted that forex crisis and high inflation in the country will limit its performance in Nigeria till mid-2024.
It said:
- āAverage capacity utilization will still hover around the 50% threshold as the forex-related challenges and high inflation rate limiting manufacturing performance may linger until mid-year.
- āThe sector may experience a meagre improvement in manufacturing output as forex and interest rates-related challenges are expected to subside from the third quarter.ā
What you should know
With a 27 years high inflation rate of 29.90%Ā and an incessant fall of the Naira against the Dollar in the FX market, Nigeria manufacturing industry continue to grapple with rising cost of production.
Last Increase
- In September 2023, NERC upwardly reviewed the price of prepaid meter in a circular marked NERC/2023/020, and jointly signed by Sanusi Garba, the commissionās chairman āand Dafe Akpeneye, its commissioner, legal, licencing, and compliance.
- According to the circular, the commission said a single-phase meter will now cost N81,975.16 instead of the previous price of N58,661.69.
- Similarly, the price of a three-phase meter was increased to N143,836.10 from N109,684.36.
- At that time, inflation rate was 26.72% and $1 was around N800 in the official market.
- Meanwhile, inflation continues to worsen as the Naira loses over 40% of its value since the last evaluation of the price of prepaid meter.
- With a new price review prepaid meter price sight, consumers are more likely to pay over N100,000 for a single-phase meter and perhaps a N150,000 for a three-phase prepaid meter.
Exchange Rate: NERC to increase price of prepaid meters
Business
Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price to ā¦774, Ends PMS Bonus Window
Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price to ā¦774, Ends PMS Bonus Window
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has announced a reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, by ā¦25 per litre, lowering the ex-depot rate from ā¦799 to ā¦774 per litre. The new pricing took immediate effect on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
The refinery notified petroleum marketers through its Group Commercial Operations Department, stating:
“This is to notify you of a change in our PMS gantry price from ā¦799 per litre to ā¦774 per litre.”
Industry checks on platforms like petroleumprice.ng confirmed that the revised price has already been updated across petroleum pricing systems, ensuring transparency for downstream operators and consumers.
In the same notice, Dangote Refinery announced the end of its PMS lifting incentive programme, which had offered marketers bonuses for purchasing within specific volume thresholds. The refinery stated that credits for volumes loaded from 2 to 10 February 2026 would be posted to marketersā accounts.
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Analysts say the simultaneous price cut and closure of the bonus window signals a shift from volume-driven incentives to a more stable and predictable pricing framework, as the refinery consolidates its domestic market share.
The move comes amid continued volatility in PMS prices following the full deregulation of Nigeriaās downstream petroleum sector and the removal of fuel subsidies. In 2025, ex-depot prices fluctuated between ā¦700 and over ā¦800 per litre, driven by exchange rate pressures, global crude oil prices, and reliance on imported fuel, which in turn pushed pump prices higher nationwide.
With a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, Dangote Refinery ā Africaās largest single-train refinery ā has become a key reference point for domestic fuel pricing. Its operations have helped moderate petrol prices, especially in southern and coastal distribution corridors, and reduce Nigeriaās dependence on imported fuel.
Industry observers note that the latest price reduction reflects easing production costs, improved operational efficiency, and increased competition from imported cargoes and modular refineries. As the refinery continues to expand, its pricing decisions are expected to influence national petrol rates, transportation costs, and inflationary pressures.
Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price to ā¦774, Ends PMS Bonus Window
Business
Fuel Self-Sufficiency: Dangote Refinery Counters Misinformation on Petrol Imports
Fuel Self-Sufficiency: Dangote Refinery Counters Misinformation on Petrol Imports
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has clarified that there is no importation of finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) ā commonly known as petrol ā into Nigeria, countering recent reports suggesting otherwise. The company stated that locally refined petrol from the Dangote Refinery now meets a significant portion of Nigeriaās domestic demand, marking a major milestone in the countryās journey toward fuel self-sufficiency.
In a statement, the refinery dismissed claims that it imports finished PMS as false and misleading, stressing that such reports misrepresent its operations and could undermine public confidence in Nigeriaās local refining sector. The company also indicated that it has identified individuals behind these claims and warned that legal action may be pursued against parties spreading misinformation.
Oil marketers and industry observers confirm that the refinery has consistently supplied petrol to the Nigerian market, reducing reliance on imported fuel. The move has been welcomed by stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), which advised its members to prioritize purchasing petrol from Dangoteās facility to support domestic refining and strengthen local fuel supply chains.
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This announcement comes amid broader efforts to revamp Nigeriaās state-owned refineries. Talks are ongoing between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and technical partners to enhance capacity at existing refineries, aiming to further reduce the countryās dependence on imported petroleum products.
Analysts say that the rise of local refining through Dangoteās facility is poised to have several benefits for Nigeria, including stabilizing fuel supply, saving foreign exchange, and potentially moderating fuel prices. As the refinery ramps up production, Nigerians can expect more reliable access to locally refined petrol, signaling a shift from historical dependency on imported fuel toward greater energy self-reliance.
The Dangote Refinery, now one of the largest in Africa, continues to deliver substantial volumes of petrol and other refined products across Nigeria, underlining its central role in the countryās energy infrastructure and the nationās ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
Fuel Self-Sufficiency: Dangote Refinery Counters Misinformation on Petrol Imports
Business
Naira Posts Strong Comeback, Breaking TwoāYear High Against Dollar
Naira Posts Strong Comeback, Breaking TwoāYear High Against Dollar
The Nigerian naira has staged a remarkable comeback against the U.S. dollar, defying expectations and posting sustained appreciation across foreign exchange markets as economic conditions improve, external reserves strengthen, and central bank interventions take effect. This upward momentum reflects a significant shift in Nigeriaās currency dynamics, offering potential relief for businesses, investors, and everyday consumers.
In the official foreign exchange market, the naira has recently strengthened to around ā¦1,358 per dollar, its strongest level in nearly two years, fuelled by growing foreign exchange liquidity, rising external reserves, and improved investor confidence. At the close of 2025, the naira finished the year with a gain of over ā¦100 per dollar, narrowing the gap between official and parallel markets and underscoring its resilience and renewed stability. The countryās external reserves expanded to approximately $45.5 billion, giving policymakers more buffer to support the currency and dampen volatility.
This performance marks a notable shift from previous periods of sharp depreciation, when the naira traded well above ā¦1,600 per dollar in official and parallel markets. In contrast, recent data shows continued strengthening, with parallel market rates also improving, trading below ā¦1,500 per dollar at various points as foreign exchange supply conditions eased and market distortions reduced.
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Analysts attribute the rebound to aggressive interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including increased foreign exchange injections into the market ā approaching $800 million in December alone ā and renewed sales of dollars to Bureau de Change operators. These liquidity measures helped to boost market confidence and narrow the gap between official and street exchange rates, supporting the nairaās appreciation trend as the new year begins.
Economic forecasts suggest that if current policies and external inflows persist, the naira could continue to outperform projections, with some analysts forecasting it might trade around ā¦1,350 per dollar by the end of 2026, a level that would signal sustained recovery momentum for the local currency.
The strengthened naira has also had realāworld impacts on prices, with consumers and traders noting sharper pricing for imported goods like smartphones and other electronics, reflecting less exchange rate pressure on retail costs. This relief in price pressures has contributed positively to market sentiment and consumer confidence.
Despite this progress, currency watchers caution that sustaining the gains will require continued economic reforms, stable inflows from oil and nonāoil sectors, prudent monetary policy, and consistent support for domestic production to reduce reliance on imports. The recent performance, however, is being seen as a turning point ā a sign that coordinated policy actions and strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals can deliver tangible gains in exchange rate stability.
As Nigeria navigates the complexities of global financial conditions, the nairaās recent outperformance of the dollar stands out as one of the most notable developments in the countryās economic narrative, offering optimism for continued stability in the foreign exchange landscape.
Naira Posts Strong Comeback, Breaking TwoāYear High Against Dollar
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