IPMAN Criticizes NNPCL for Higher Petrol Prices from Dangote Refinery Compared to Imports

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its decision to charge more for gasoline sourced from the Dangote Refinery compared to imported petrol.

NNPCL announced on Sunday that it had received petrol from the Dangote Refinery at a cost of N898 per litre and began loading the first batch of fuel for distribution. However, Dangote Refinery representatives disputed NNPCL's claim regarding the pricing.

In a statement released late Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, a spokesperson for Dangote Refinery, described NNPCL's assertion as "misleading and mischievous," rejecting the notion that they supplied petrol to NNPCL at N898 per litre.

Prior to purchasing fuel from the Dangote Refinery, NNPCL retail stations in Lagos had been selling imported petrol at approximately N855 per litre. On Monday, however, NNPCL announced that petrol sourced from Dangote would now be sold at N950 per litre in Lagos and as high as N1,019 per litre in Borno State, sparking widespread reactions from Nigerians.

“If NNPC can sell Dangote products higher than the imported products, then it doesn’t make sense. What was the celebration we were having all this while then?” asked John Kekeocha, IPMAN National Welfare Officer, during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, September 16.

The price discrepancy between Dangote-sourced fuel and imported petrol has raised concerns among fuel marketers and consumers alike, particularly given the expectations of more affordable locally refined fuel. IPMAN's criticism has added to the ongoing debate over the nation's fuel pricing structure and the impact of the Dangote Refinery on Nigeria's petroleum market.