Marketers Protest Dangote Refinery's Petrol Supply Ban

Petroleum marketers in Nigeria are protesting against Dangote Petroleum Refinery's recent decision to stop supplying petrol to major oil importers, which they argue is unjustified and could threaten fuel availability. The refinery's action follows allegations that some companies were blending its products with imported fuel, a claim that the marketers, including Billy Gillis-Harry, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), have strongly rejected.

Gillis-Harry emphasized the need for a competitive downstream petroleum market that allows both local refining and importation to coexist. He warned that restricting access to Dangote's products could disrupt petrol sales and distribution.

Additionally, a senior official from the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) confirmed that some members had received information about the supply ban. This conflict arises amid ongoing approvals by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for petrol importation, further intensifying the disagreement between the refinery and the regulator.