Dangote Refinery Stops Petrol Sales to Importers Over Quality

On October 6, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced it would stop selling Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to major marketers involved in importing petroleum products. This decision stems from concerns that its high-quality fuel could be blended with lower-quality imported grades.

An anonymous official from the refinery confirmed this development, stating that sales would now focus on members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other marketers not engaged in petrol imports. This move has heightened tensions between the refinery and petroleum importers, who are worried about potential supply shortages.

Some marketers have sought legal protection for their import activities, requesting the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to continue granting import licenses. The Dangote refinery previously threatened to cease business with fuel importers accused of blending its Euro-5 petrol with imported products, arguing that such practices could confuse consumers and regulators regarding product quality.