A heated exchange unfolded between Dangote Refinery and fuel marketers represented by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). The marketers accused the refinery of selling petroleum products at lower prices to foreign buyers and frequently slashing prices, thereby putting financial pressure on local marketers.
In the midst of this, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) urged its members who haven’t yet registered with the Dangote Refinery to do so without delay, as direct fuel supplies are set to start on Monday.
The controversy ignited when DAPPMAN claimed that the refinery was favoring international buyers with lower prices while charging local offtakers more. In response, the Dangote Group quickly fired back, alleging that the marketers were selfishly damaging Nigeria’s petroleum transport infrastructure, importing low-quality petrol, and contributing to frequent fuel shortages and long queues, thus causing hardship for citizens.
Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, spoke with THISDAY last night. He accused DAPPMAN of supporting the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) in its unsuccessful efforts against the refinery. Chiejina dismissed the marketers' assertion that Dangote Refinery only fulfilled 30 to 35 percent of Nigeria’s daily oil demands, insisting that the refinery had surpassed its 650,000 barrels per day capacity and was pushing towards 700,000 bpd.
Moreover, he highlighted that Dangote Refinery has been exporting fuel to the United States and other nations, indicating that its production capacity is robust enough to satisfy Nigeria's needs. Chiejina remarked that DAPPMAN and its associates have been importing petrol for 25 years while managing depots and leading to consistent fuel shortages and long lines.
In response to the marketers' claims about the refinery’s contributions to the local market, he stated, “You know our story; you know what we’ve been producing. We have even gone beyond 650,000 barrels per day. If we are producing only 40 percent, then why are we exporting? America has recognized it. Various countries have acknowledged our exports. So, what are they talking about?”
He continued, “It’s clear who is behind what NUPENG is doing; it seems they have been uncovered. They are the ones backing NUPENG, which has failed.” Chiejina added, “If you have this refinery and you’re proud to say you’re importing fuel, that is concerning. For years, they have been bringing in substandard fuel, leading to queues and regular shortages.”
He concluded by stating, “This Monday marks exactly one year since we began producing fuel. Have you ever heard of fuel shortages during this time? We are producing 650,000 barrels. In fact, we are ramping up to 700,000 barrels.”