Dangote Refinery: Marketers Seek Closer Collaboration for Steady Fuel Supply

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has called on the Dangote Refinery to make its fuel supply more accessible to marketers and sell products at affordable rates.

The association’s spokesperson, Ikem Ohia, emphasized that closer collaboration with the refinery would ensure a steady supply of petroleum products and end fuel queues across the country.

Ohia dismissed claims of a rift with the refinery, stating that marketers only want a transparent arrangement that guarantees regular distribution. He noted that the refinery’s dominance in the market is not the issue, but rather access to its products and pricing.

The association has urged Dangote to utilize its existing distribution network, which includes depots in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.

Ohia explained that this would enable marketers to meet the demands of Nigerians effectively.

DAPPMAN approached Dangote before production commenced to request bulk supply, but no firm understanding was reached. Instead, the refinery prefers to work with a few selected partners. Ohia believes an open system would help the country, rather than a controlled one.

Many association members operate filling stations, some with hundreds of outlets, but restricted supply has left them unable to meet demand. Ohia emphasized that bulk deliveries to depots are necessary to serve Nigerians effectively.

The debate comes after Dangote invested in 4,000 CNG-powered trucks for nationwide distribution, which marketers argue could give the refinery too much control over the downstream sector. Some industry stakeholders have weighed in on the issue, with billionaire businessman Femi Otedola advising DAPPMAN to adapt to market changes.

The refinery maintains that it will not bear the logistics expenses that marketers want transferred to it, insisting that products are sold at its gantry strictly on the basis of production costs and regulated margins.