Dangote Refinery Halts Petrol Sales to Major Nigerian Importers
Dangote Petroleum Refinery stopped selling petrol to major importers to prevent the blending of its high-quality fuel with lower-grade imports.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has ceased selling Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to major Nigerian marketers who import petroleum products. The refinery justifies the restriction by accusing these importers of blending its high-quality Euro-5 petrol with lower-quality imported grades, a practice the company claims damages its brand association.
To maintain product integrity, the refinery is prioritizing sales to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other non-importing entities. IPMAN officials, including President Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, have supported the move, confirming that association members now receive direct supplies from the refinery.
Major marketers have challenged the decision, characterizing it as a monopolistic effort to dominate the downstream sector and block imports. Some marketers have sought court orders to ensure the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority continues granting import licenses to prevent them from being stranded. The dispute highlights a tension between protecting the quality of locally refined products and maintaining market competition for national energy security.
