IPMAN Opposes Fuel Imports, Backs Dangote Refinery on PMS Supply

IPMAN Opposes Fuel Imports, Backs Dangote Refinery on PMS Supply

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has rejected the continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), insisting that domestic refining—particularly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery—is sufficient to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs.

The association also dismissed reports linking the surge in petrol imports in November 2025 to an alleged breakdown in supply arrangements between marketers and the Dangote Refinery, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement, IPMAN said the reports do not reflect the experience of its members, noting that fuel supply has improved significantly since Dangote Refinery commenced PMS distribution nationwide.

Speaking on the development, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, affirmed the association’s full support for the refinery, stressing that marketers have had no difficulties lifting products.

“Our members fully support Dangote Refinery. Since supply began, marketers have consistently lifted products without any complaints. We oppose continued importation because Dangote Refinery has the capacity to meet the country’s entire PMS demand,” Shettima said.

He added that members are satisfied with the reliability of supply and welcomed the refinery’s plan for direct delivery to filling stations, describing it as a critical step toward stabilising distribution and protecting consumers. According to him, improved access to locally refined PMS has eased supply pressures and boosted confidence among independent marketers, reinforcing IPMAN’s commitment to domestic refining as a sustainable solution for the downstream petroleum sector.

Similarly, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed the media reports as baseless, stating that no supply agreement with marketers had collapsed. The refinery said its engagement with the downstream market was deliberately structured to meet rising demand while improving access, competition, and efficiency.

According to the refinery, PMS supply to marketers commenced in October 2025 with an agreed offtake of 600 million litres, which increased to 900 million litres in November and further expanded to 1.5 billion litres in December.

“In line with market growth and absorption capacity, volumes were scaled up accordingly. Subsequently, and in line with downstream market liberalisation, we opened PMS supply to all qualified marketers, bulk consumers, and filling station operators,” the statement signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said.

The refinery disclosed that since December 16, 2025, it has consistently loaded between 31 million and 48 million litres of PMS daily from its gantry, depending on market demand. It noted that the figures are verifiable through depot and loading records under routine regulatory oversight.

To enhance participation and distribution efficiency, Dangote Refinery said it reduced minimum purchase volumes from two million litres to 250,000 litres and introduced a 10-day credit facility backed by bank guarantees. These measures, it explained, are aimed at improving liquidity, supporting small and medium-sized operators, and reducing dependence on imported fuel.

The refinery added that expanded access has boosted the utilisation of locally refined PMS and contributed to more competitive pump prices, with domestic products priced significantly lower than imported alternatives. It also dismissed claims that marketers withdrew due to pricing issues, insisting that its ex-gantry prices remain competitive, market-driven, and aligned with import parity benchmarks while meeting regulatory and quality standards.

Addressing the spike in petrol imports recorded in November, Dangote Refinery attributed it to import licences approved by the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which authorised volumes beyond prevailing domestic demand. The refinery stressed that the development had no connection to its operational capacity or supply commitments.

Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its commitment to reliable supply, transparency, and the development of a competitive downstream petroleum market, pledging continued collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders to promote domestic refining, conserve foreign exchange, stabilise prices, and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term energy security.