Petrol dealers report operational issues with the Dangote Refinery even after contributing N40bn to the NNPCL. Explore their concerns and implications.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has disclosed that its members are encountering difficulties in loading petrol at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, even after paying N40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Abubakar Garima, the President of IPMAN, revealed this information on Wednesday while appearing on Channels Television’s program “Sunrise Daily.”
Garima was astonished by recent statements from Aliko Dangote, the owner of the $20 billion refinery, who alleged that marketers were bypassing his facility in favor of imported fuel.
“We owe more than 40 billion naira to the NNPCL,” Garima remarked. “I was surprised when Dangote mentioned having over 500 million liters of PMS. We’re prepared to purchase it directly from Dangote if he’s willing to sell.”
The IPMAN president disputed Dangote’s assertion that independent marketers were importing petrol. He clarified that members of his union depend on NNPCL for their supply. Additionally, he emphasized that the process could be enhanced if Dangote Refinery permitted independent marketers to register and load directly from its facility.
Garima explained, “If Dangote can sell the product to us directly, we are ready to purchase it since payment is required before collection. Currently, we have ₦40 billion held by NNPCL but cannot source the product.”
He also stated that some IPMAN members were recently dispatched by NNPCL to load petrol at the Dangote Refinery. However, they ended up stranded for four days without being able to fill their trucks.
Garima highlighted that allowing independent marketers direct access to Dangote’s facility might help lower the nationwide pump price of petrol.
This revelation follows a meeting between Dangote and President Bola Tinubu in Abuja the previous day. During this encounter, Dangote informed journalists that his refinery had over 500 million liters of petrol available, though it was reportedly not being purchased by marketers.
Peoplesmind
