Dangote Refinery has accused the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission of approving petrol import licences that pushed supply above market demand in November 2025.
Gatekeepers News reports that the refinery said reports linking the rise in imports to a breakdown in supply arrangements with marketers were misleading, stressing that no agreement collapsed during the period.
It explained that the spike in imported volumes aligned with import approvals granted by the previous NMDPRA management, which allowed quantities beyond what the local market required.
According to the refinery, the situation was not connected to its production capacity or its ability to supply petrol to marketers. It said its downstream operations were designed to respond to market needs, improve access to fuel, and promote healthy competition.
Dangote Refinery stated that petrol supply to marketers began in October 2025 with agreed volumes that were later expanded as demand grew. It added that following market liberalisation, supply was opened to all qualified marketers, bulk buyers, and filling station operators.
The refinery said it has been dispatching large volumes of petrol daily from its gantry since mid-December 2025, noting that the figures are captured in depot and loading records monitored by regulators.
It also said it introduced flexible measures to widen participation, including lower minimum purchase requirements and short credit windows backed by bank guarantees.
Rejecting claims that pricing issues drove marketers away, the refinery maintained that its prices remain competitive, market-based, and in line with regulatory and quality standards.
Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria opposed the continued importation of petrol, insisting that Dangote Refinery can meet Nigeria’s fuel needs. The association dismissed reports of supply disputes and expressed support for the refinery.
IPMAN national president, Abubakar Garima, said marketers have continued to lift products without complaints.
He said, “Since supply began, marketers have consistently lifted products without any complaints.”
“We oppose continued importation because Dangote Refinery has the capacity to meet the country’s entire PMS demand.”
Garima added that IPMAN members are satisfied with the steady supply and welcomed the refinery’s move to deliver products directly to filling stations.
