Dangote Refinery Counters Claims of Cheaper PMS Imports by IPMAN, PETROAN
In a recent statement, Dangote Refinery has addressed allegations from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), claiming that these associations have circulated misleading information about the refinery’s fuel pricing.
IPMAN and PETROAN assert they can import Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at lower prices than those offered by the Dangote Refinery. The refinery, however, insists that its pricing aligns with international benchmarks, arguing that its rates remain competitive against those of imported fuel.
According to Dangote Refinery, claims of cheaper PMS imports likely stem from the introduction of substandard products into Nigeria’s fuel market—a practice, they state, compromises both public health and vehicle longevity. The refinery also highlighted a gap in regulatory oversight, pointing out that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) currently lacks laboratory facilities necessary to screen imported fuel quality.
Following Nigeria’s fuel deregulation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) set the initial benchmark price for PMS at ₦971 per liter for distribution by sea and ₦990 per liter for trucking. Dangote Refinery subsequently reduced its own prices to ₦960 per liter for sea shipments, while holding the rate for trucking at ₦990 per liter.
The refinery revealed that it commenced sales at these adjusted prices despite pending exchange rate clarifications for its crude oil purchases. Additionally, it reported that a foreign trading company has established a depot near the Dangote Refinery, intending to blend substandard fuel products for sale in Nigeria—a move that could further disrupt Nigeria’s domestic refining efforts.
In an effort to protect local industry, the refinery underscored that countries worldwide, such as the United States and those in Europe, often impose tariffs to protect homegrown industries, like electric vehicle and microchip production, ensuring sustainable local economies.
Dangote Refinery emphasized its commitment to delivering quality, domestically refined petroleum products to Nigerians and urged the public to disregard what it described as “deliberate disinformation” from interests favoring continued fuel imports over local production.
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer at Dangote, released the statement, stressing the company’s focus on affordable and reliable energy for Nigeria’s future.
