By Adedapo Adesanya

In an apparent change of stance, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has now hailed the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery over its plan to commence free distribution of petrol and diesel to independent marketers an large-scale consumers across the country, beginning from August 15, 2025.

Earlier, the marketers’ association had lamented that the development could lead to problems, calling it a “dangerous monopoly.”

In a new statement, IPMAN in Rivers State described the development as “bold, strategic and transformative,” noting that the initiative, accompanied by the deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers, will significantly ease the challenges facing Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

Mr Tekena Ikpaki, Chairman of IPMAN Rivers State Chapter, in an official statement issued on Tuesday, said, “This is a timely intervention that could not have come at a better time. It addresses a multitude of issues plaguing our members, especially supply inconsistency, high transportation costs, infrastructural bottlenecks, and unstable market prices.”

Dangote Refinery last week announced it would distribute fuel free-of-charge to marketers and other large consumers, in what the company described as a corporate intervention aimed at stabilizing the downstream sector.

Mr Ikpaki emphasized that independent marketers, who account for the majority of fuel distribution in the country, stand to benefit significantly.

“With the planned deployment of 4,000 brand-new CNG-powered tankers, Dangote is not just addressing supply but also investing in a cleaner, more sustainable logistics model. This aligns with global climate goals while resolving domestic distribution gaps.”

IPMAN stressed that the emergence of Dangote as a credible alternative to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited offers marketers a “multi-source supply model” that will drive competition and improve pricing mechanisms in the retail market.

“The era of single-source dependence is no longer viable. Multiple supply routes mean better pricing, improved logistics, and more reliability for consumers at the pump,” he added.

Mr Ikpaki also called for inclusive implementation and regulatory oversight to ensure that independent marketers from all regions benefit equitably from the initiative.

“While the offer of free product distribution appears generous, we encourage government regulators to ensure the program is implemented transparently and without favoritism. Independent marketers across Nigeria must benefit without discrimination.”

He further reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting investments aimed at improving Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, including infrastructure upgrades and market efficiency. But he warned against any monopolistic tendencies by dominant players.

“We welcome industry giants like Dangote and NNPCL playing critical roles, but we must ensure no single entity overwhelms the market to the detriment of smaller operators. A level playing field is non-negotiable.”

IPMAN also linked the Dangote initiative to NNPC’s ongoing Crude-for-Naira programme, describing both as complementary efforts aimed at improving fuel availability, supporting the naira, and stabilizing the energy sector.

“These are the types of public-private partnerships Nigeria needs, strategic actions with long-term benefits. They restore confidence and offer renewed hope for a more affordable, efficient, and inclusive energy future for Nigeria.”

He concluded by reaffirming the association’s readiness to collaborate with all key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, (NMDPRA), to ensure successful execution of the fuel distribution program.

“Let us all work together to build a more resilient and prosperous petroleum sector that truly serves the Nigerian people,” he said.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Dangote Refinery will begin to export premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, with the first destination bound for Asia this month.

According to Reuters, a 90,000 metric ton cargo of petrol from the refinery will be sold out of the region for the first time and bound for the Asian continent, without specifying which country.

Citing a source, Mercuria – a Switzerland-based global commodity trading firm – is due to load the cargo on June 22

This development will change the export strategy of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery which started exporting petrol last year. However, the cargoes have stayed in West Africa.

The Asia route also points to the fact that the $20 billion Dangote refinery is growing and can take upon the global market as a petrol supplier.

It also indicates the company’s confidence that production is now stable enough to meet Nigeria’s domestic needs and also export beyond the African region.

“We sell our products to those who are willing to give us the highest price. It’s the buyer’s right to take the products to any destination of their choice,” a spokesperson for the Dangote refinery said to the publication.

Even at home, the refinery is making moves as it announced plans to begin nationwide distribution of petrol and diesel from August 15, 2025 with a targeted customers including marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country.

The company is deploying 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas-powered tankers to boost delivery capacity and improve access to fuel across the country.

The offer, according to a statement released on Sunday, is open to marketers, petrol station dealers, manufacturers, telecoms operators, aviation firms, and other large-scale fuel users.

The firm also disclosed plans to support distribution through the establishment of daughter booster CNG stations and a dedicated fleet of over 100 gas-powered tankers. It noted that the logistics support, including free product delivery, was designed to eliminate distribution bottlenecks and bring down operational costs in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.