Fresh Controversy as Dangote Refinery Snubs Oil Marketers on Direct Petrol Lifting
The Dangote Refinery in Lagos, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, has stirred concerns by ignoring oil marketers’ requests to directly lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. This move has left both oil marketers and Nigerians uncertain about the future of fuel distribution.
Abubakar Maigandi, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), revealed in separate interviews with DAILY POST that efforts to engage with Dangote Refinery have been unsuccessful.
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According to Maigandi, attempts to discuss direct fuel sales with the refinery have gone unanswered, making it difficult for marketers to discuss pricing.
“If Dangote Refinery agrees to sell directly, there could be a slight reduction in petrol prices, which currently range from N950 to N1,200 per liter,” Maigandi said.
He added that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had been selling petrol to marketers at N840 to N870 per liter, depending on the location, and marketers in Abuja have been reselling at N950.
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However, NNPCL has reportedly stepped back from its role as the sole off-taker of Dangote Petrol, creating further uncertainty for the market.
Gillis-Harry echoed Maigandi’s sentiments, noting that despite repeated efforts to establish business discussions with Dangote Refinery, no progress has been made.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, when contacted, stated that he was unaware of any developments on the matter.
The refinery began its petrol distribution last month, with NNPCL initially serving as the sole buyer. This triggered a fresh round of fuel price hikes, with prices at N950 to N1,100 per liter across retail outlets. Dangote Petrol’s price remains controversial, with plans for an official pump price announcement by the Presidential Implementation Committee on Naira-for-crude sales still pending.
In response, the House of Representatives has urged Dangote Refinery to allow oil marketers direct access to its fuel. There is hope that once the Naira-for-crude sales deal is fully implemented, it could lead to a reduction in petrol prices. However, for now, the situation remains unresolved.