The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has stated that its members are unable to load gasoline from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, even after paying N40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), according to a Channelstv report.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
This statement follows remarks by Aliko Dangote, who noted that marketers were bypassing his refinery in favor of imported petrol, despite having over 500 million liters stored at his facility.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, IPMAN President Abubakar Garima responded to Dangote’s concerns, clarifying that IPMAN members are not importing gasoline but are instead struggling to access the product due to issues with NNPCL.
Garima suggested that to streamline access, Dangote’s refinery should register independent gasoline marketers directly, rather than requiring them to obtain Dangote’s product through NNPCL.
“If he [Dangote] can sell the product to us directly, we would purchase it since payment is required upfront,” Garima explained.
“Currently, our N40 billion is held by NNPCL, yet we are unable to source the product. Recently, some marketers waited four days with their trucks at Dangote’s refinery but couldn’t load,” he added.
Garima further highlighted that with over 20,000 IPMAN members nationwide, direct access to the Dangote Refinery’s supply could result in lower pump prices for Nigerians.
He urged Dangote to review his pricing if marketers are opting for imports instead. “If he says marketers aren’t buying from him, he should examine his pricing.
Is it higher than import costs or at the same rate? Also, how long will it take for the product to reach depots if purchased through him? That’s another key factor,” Garima noted.
Addressing Dangote’s comments on alternative supply sources, Garima acknowledged that while some marketers might import, Dangote should carefully assess the competitiveness of his prices relative to the market.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
