By Mary Onyia
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) of demanding an annual subsidy of over N1.5 trillion in order to match its gantry prices at their depots. The company explained that marketers prefer to move products using coastal logistics, which adds N75 per litre in extra costs, instead of lifting directly from the refinery. This, according to Dangote would mean the company or Nigerians would have to bear the extra costs, thereby heaping an additional burden on Nigerians.
The refinery rejected the request, saying it would bring back the problems caused by subsidies in the past. It made clear it will not raise its gantry price or offer discounts worth over a trillion naira. Dangote invited DAPPMAN and other marketers to collect products directly from its gantry to avoid extra logistics costs, and said recent criticism is a result of its decision not to agree to these demands.
Highlighting its capacity to meet domestic demand and also support exports, the refinery disclosed it consistently keeps 500 million litres of closing stock monthly and exported more than 3.2 million metric tonnes of refined products between June and September. Dangote accused marketers of simultaneously importing 3.6 million metric tonnes of fuel , a move it believes harms the Nigerian economy.
Dangote restated its support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform plans. The company said its work has helped steady the naira, ease the effects of subsidy removal, increase foreign exchange earnings, and create thousands of jobs. Dangote promised to keep working with government agencies but said it will also hold others accountable when needed.
Responding to threats and ultimatums from DAPPMAN, the refinery said it will not give in to pressure and encouraged those who disagree to go to court. The company said it is ready to defend its position by all legal means.