The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing closure of the NNPCL Retail portal, which is impacting their ability to access petrol supplied by the Dangote Refinery.
This situation follows a recent agreement between the Federal Government and Dangote Refinery that designates the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as the exclusive off-taker for Dangote’s petrol supplies. Consequently, other marketers are expected to obtain their allocations exclusively through NNPCL.
The government’s intention behind this arrangement, according to official sources, is to stabilize petrol prices and prevent substantial increases at the pump for Nigerian consumers.
However, IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, has raised concerns about the implications of this policy for independent marketers.
“We are pleased that Dangote’s supply has commenced, providing an additional source of petroleum products,” Ukadike stated.
“While we are not opposed to NNPCL handling the distribution, independent marketers would prefer direct access to the refinery. Given our extensive network of filling stations, we believe we would be the most effective partners for the refinery. We are currently waiting for NNPCL to reopen their portal so we can begin making purchases.”
Joseph Ehimen, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), also weighed in on the issue.
He expressed the need for transparency in pricing and emphasized the importance of allowing market forces to dictate petrol prices rather than fixed rates imposed by any single entity.
“We are all eagerly awaiting the availability of Dangote refinery petrol,” Ehimen noted.
“The product needs to reach the marketplace, and its price should be determined by market dynamics. Encouraging a competitive environment will attract further investment and foster growth in the sector. Relying on one investor, whether public or private, is insufficient for sustained industry development.”