IPMAN Calls on Marketers to Patronise Dangote Refinery Rules Out Fuel Scarcity

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has urged its members across the country to begin prioritising the purchase of petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing the arrangement as beneficial for both marketers and consumers.

According to the association, the move is expected to improve the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) nationwide while also helping to stabilise prices in the downstream petroleum sector.

The recommendation followed a newly reached supply arrangement that will allow the refinery to distribute petrol directly to registered IPMAN members.

Details of the development were shared by IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, during a media briefing held in Abuja.

Shettima explained that the partnership represents an important step toward strengthening local fuel supply and reducing reliance on imported petroleum products.

One of the major highlights of the agreement is the refinery’s plan to begin delivering petrol directly to IPMAN filling stations nationwide.

According to the association, this delivery system will commence in January 2026 and will be offered free of transportation charges.

Industry observers believe the logistics support could significantly reduce operational costs for independent fuel marketers.

Lower distribution expenses, the association noted, may translate into reduced pump prices for motorists across the country.

IPMAN also reassured Nigerians that the supply of petrol remains stable and that there is no cause for concern about shortages.

Shettima pointed out that independent marketers operate a substantial portion of fuel retail outlets nationwide, giving the association a strong presence in the country’s supply chain.

Based on that reach, he expressed confidence that the sector can maintain consistent petrol availability across Nigeria.

The association further commended the chairman of the Dangote refinery, Aliko Dangote, for supporting efforts aimed at stabilising fuel pricing within the country.

According to IPMAN, initiatives by the refinery have already contributed to gradual adjustments in petrol pump prices in recent months.

The group also acknowledged the broader policy direction of the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that reforms within the oil and gas sector are encouraging collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Shettima attributed the emerging partnership between the refinery and fuel marketers partly to regulatory reforms carried out by government agencies.

He said these steps have helped create a more coordinated environment within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Beyond the immediate benefits of the supply arrangement, IPMAN reiterated its long-standing position against the continued large-scale importation of petrol.

The association argued that excessive fuel imports undermine domestic refining capacity and place pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

According to the group, increasing reliance on locally refined products could support job creation, reduce economic strain, and attract investment into the energy sector.

At the same time, IPMAN raised concerns about outstanding financial obligations owed to its members.

The association disclosed that unpaid bridging claims—funds meant to support the transportation of fuel across regions—have accumulated to more than ₦190 billion.

Shettima urged the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to prioritise addressing the debt.

He said resolving the issue would help strengthen trust between regulators and independent fuel marketers.

Commentary and Analysis

IPMAN’s endorsement of the Dangote refinery as a primary source of petrol signals a potentially significant shift in Nigeria’s fuel supply structure.

For decades, Nigeria has relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products despite being one of the world’s major crude oil producers.

The development of large-scale local refining capacity could reduce dependence on foreign fuel imports and lower logistical costs within the supply chain.

Direct delivery arrangements, such as the one proposed by the Dangote refinery, may also simplify distribution and improve efficiency for marketers.

However, the success of such initiatives will depend on consistent production levels, regulatory coordination, and the resolution of outstanding financial obligations within the sector.

If these challenges are addressed, industry analysts believe the growing partnership between local refineries and independent marketers could gradually reshape Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.