Emmanuel OchayiDangote Refinery Holds Back Petrol Supply Due to Lack of NNPCL Approval
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified that it cannot yet supply Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) without authorisation from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement on Thursday, the refinery explained that this lack of NNPCL’s approval has prevented any direct dealings with IPMAN despite the refinery’s readiness to sell fuel.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIPMAN Seeks Direct Supply, Expresses Frustration
The ongoing stalemate has left IPMAN members, who recently visited the Lekki-based refinery, unable to lift petrol. IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Maigandi, voiced frustration, stating, “If Dangote Refinery truly has 500 million liters of petrol as claimed, why can’t our members access it? We are prepared to buy directly if allowed, but the NNPC authorisation holds us back.”
Maigandi’s comments came in response to a statement by Dangote Group’s President, Aliko Dangote, who remarked on Tuesday that the facility had over 500 million litres of petrol in stock, yet marketers had not shown up to purchase it.
Dangote Refinery Denies Payment Claims
Dangote Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, issued a detailed statement on Thursday, dispelling claims that the refinery had received any payments from IPMAN members. According to Chiejina, any funds IPMAN paid were directed to NNPC, which, in turn, has not authorised Dangote Refinery to proceed with petrol sales.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify that it has not received any payments from IPMAN for refined petroleum products,” Chiejina stated. “It is misleading to suggest our refinery is holding back product access when we currently lack any direct business dealings with IPMAN. Our relationship with NNPC dictates that only with their approval can we supply Premium Motor Spirit to IPMAN.”
NNPC’s Role in Dangote Refinery Operations
Chiejina further elaborated that the Dangote Refinery is capable of loading 2,900 trucks daily, with enough PMS to meet national demand, but it remains bound by its agreement with NNPC. “We have ample products to supply the country’s petroleum needs, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. Our current capacity allows us to load 2,900 trucks daily, and we are also distributing by sea,” he noted.
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He urged IPMAN to formalize registration and establish direct payment terms with Dangote Refinery, hinting that this approach could smoothen future transactions. He also emphasized the importance of conducting business away from public speculation. “We believe all stakeholders should refrain from making unfounded statements that could affect the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu. Public speculation around business deals is both counterproductive and unpatriotic,” Chiejina added.
PETROAN Requests Dangote to Announce PMS Price
In response to Dangote’s comments, the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has asked the refinery to publish its petrol price. PETROAN National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Joseph Obele, criticised the refinery’s lack of pricing clarity, arguing that without a public price, retailers are uncertain whether to make a shift from NNPCL.
“While Aliko Dangote says there is enough petrol to satisfy local needs, he hasn’t provided a clear price for the product,” Obele remarked. “If he had set a price at that press conference, there might already be a queue of marketers eager to buy.”
He added that NNPC Retail outlets in Port Harcourt currently sell at N1,040 per litre, highlighting that price transparency is crucial for marketers. “A businessman would switch suppliers even for a minimal discount from another seller, but a price must be set,” Obele insisted.
Major Marketers Assure Public on Petrol Availability
Meanwhile, the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) reassured the public that there is ample fuel supply and cautioned against panic buying. MEMAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Clement Isong, commented on Thursday, “MEMAN assures the public that we have significant stocks of petroleum products, and our supply chains are robust.”
The recent deregulation in the oil sector, he explained, has allowed diligent marketers to arrange for their supply needs in advance, avoiding scarcity. “We do not expect any shortage of petroleum products now or in the near future, and urge the public to avoid panic buying,” Isong noted.
MEMAN’s latest data on Thursday showed that the landing cost of petrol currently stands at N978.01 per liter. The costs for diesel and aviation fuel, meanwhile, were noted at N1,069.97 and N1,119.67 per litre, respectively, highlighting the rising expenses marketers face in delivering these essential products.
Marketers Urged to Register Directly with Dangote Refinery
In its concluding statement, Dangote Refinery advised IPMAN and other independent marketers to register directly and initiate payments through its official channels to facilitate smoother operations once NNPC authorisation is granted. “We welcome IPMAN’s members to begin direct registration with us,” Chiejina said.
The refinery also emphasised its commitment to supporting the federal government’s economic strategy by collaborating with all stakeholders.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
