IPMAN Rejects Fuel Imports as Dangote Refinery Dismisses Supply Disruption Claims

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has rejected the continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), saying local production from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is sufficient to meet national demand.

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

IPMAN said the reports do not reflect the experience of its members, noting that the commencement of supply from the Dangote Refinery has improved product availability across the country.

Speaking on the issue, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, said the association fully supports the refinery.

“Since supply began, our members have consistently lifted products without complaints. We oppose continued importation because Dangote Refinery has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire PMS demand,” he said.

Shettima added that marketers were satisfied with the reliability of supply and welcomed the refinery’s decision to deliver products directly to filling stations, describing the move as crucial to stabilising distribution and protecting consumers.

He said increased access to locally refined products has eased supply pressure and boosted confidence among independent marketers, reaffirming IPMAN’s support for domestic refining as a sustainable solution for the downstream petroleum sector.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery also denied claims of any supply disruption, describing the reports as baseless.

In a statement, the refinery said no supply agreement with marketers had collapsed, adding that its engagement with the downstream market was structured to meet rising demand and improve access, competition, and efficiency.

The refinery disclosed that PMS supply under the marketers’ arrangement began in October 2025 with an agreed offtake volume of 600 million litres, which was increased to 900 million litres in November and further expanded to 1.5 billion litres in December.

According to the statement signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the volumes were scaled up in line with market growth and absorption capacity.

The refinery said it subsequently opened PMS supply to all qualified marketers, bulk consumers, and filling station operators in line with downstream market liberalization.

It added 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, noting that the figures are verifiable through regulatory records.

To improve distribution and broaden participation, the 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.

According to Dangote Refinery, the measures are aimed at supporting small and medium-sized operators, improving liquidity, and reducing reliance on imported fuel.

The refinery also dismissed claims that marketers withdrew due to pricing concerns, stating that its ex-gantry prices remain competitive and aligned with import parity while meeting regulatory and quality standards.

Explaining the spike in petrol imports in November, the refinery said the increase followed import licences approved by the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which sanctioned volumes beyond prevailing domestic demand.

It stressed that the development had no connection with 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 support domestic refining, conserve foreign exchange, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.