By Our Reporter
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has rejected claims that rising petrol imports stemmed from a breakdown between marketers and Dangote Refinery, describing the reports as false and misleading. The association also renewed its opposition to the continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), insisting that local refining capacity is now sufficient to meet national demand.
IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, stated that marketers have experienced no supply challenges since Dangote Refinery commenced distribution, noting that members have consistently supplied products nationwide. He stressed that the refinery’s capacity can fully serve Niger. He welcomed its plan for direct delivery to filling stations, which he said would stabilise distribution and benefit consumers.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery also dismissed the reports, stating that no supply agreement with marketers had collapsed. The company explained that PMS supply began in October 2025 with 600 million litres, rising to 900 million litres in November and 1.5 billion litres in December, in line with market demand. Since mid-December, the refinery said it has been loading between 31 million and 48 million litres daily, figures verifiable by regulators.
To expand access, Dangote Refinery said it reduced minimum purchase volumes to 250,000 litres and introduced a 10-day credit facility backed by bank guarantees, measures aimed at supporting smaller operators and reducing dependence on imports. It also denied claims that marketers exited over pricing, stating that its ex-gantry prices remain competitive and aligned with import parity.
Addressing the spike in petrol imports in November, the refinery attributed it to import licences approved by the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, not to any supply failure. Dangote reaffirmed its commitment to transparent operations, domestic refining, and collaboration with regulators to conserve foreign exchange, stabilise prices, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.