Dangote Refinery mulls halting fuel sales to petrol importers

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is weighing whether to cut off petrol sales to major fuel marketers who continue importing Premium Motor Spirit into Nigeria. The move stems from disputes over how imported fuel is being handled once it reaches the market, particularly allegations that some marketers are mixing bought-in products with petrol from the refinery before distributing to retailers.

Officials at the refinery say the restriction could begin as soon as this week, pending additional discussions and potential last-minute intervention from other stakeholders. The decision reflects widening friction in Nigeria's fuel market as domestic refining capacity expands through the Dangote facility, yet imported petrol continues flowing into the country at scale.

The refinery's concerns center on two related issues: the quality standards of fuel being sold under the Dangote brand and transparency around how products are being traded and distributed. Sources indicate that blending practices by marketers pose a threat to the refinery's market reputation and operational efficiency.

The proposed action would directly affect major marketers dependent on imported supplies. This development marks a shift in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector, which has historically relied on fuel imports to meet national demand.

With Dangote Refinery now producing domestically, tensions have emerged over market share and product integrity. The refinery's potential move signals its intention to consolidate control over how its fuel reaches end consumers, rather than allowing it to be mixed with competing supplies in the distribution chain.