The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) claims that despite an advance payment of ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), its members face difficulties in loading fuel directly from the Dangote Refinery.
IPMAN President Abubakar Garima clarified that contrary to Aliko Dangote’s remarks that marketers prefer imported petrol, IPMAN members are eager to buy from the refinery but are hindered by logistical constraints and prolonged waiting times at loading depots.
Garima proposes that Dangote Refinery allow IPMAN direct registration, bypassing NNPCL, to facilitate smoother product lifting. He suggests that the refinery reassess its pricing, hinting that the cost might be driving marketers towards imported alternatives.
Garima emphasized that access to more affordable petrol from Dangote Refinery could potentially reduce pump prices, offering relief to Nigerians amid the current high fuel costs.
Nigeria’s recent economic policies such as subsidy removal and forex unification have sharply raised fuel and living costs.
This surge has affected many, especially the middle class, prompting a shift towards public transportation. IPMAN believes that a direct relationship with Dangote Refinery could mitigate some of these challenges, allowing more competitive pricing in the Nigerian market.
