The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has publicly accused the Dangote Refinery of selling petroleum products at lower prices to international buyers than to local Nigerian marketers.
This accusation challenges the public perception that the refinery is the primary solution to Nigeria’s fuel supply needs. DAPPMAN stated that, contrary to popular belief, the refinery currently meets only 30 to 35 per cent of the country’s petrol demand. They revealed that the remaining 65 per cent is still imported by their members and other marketers.
In a detailed statement issued on Saturday by its executive secretary, Olufemi Adewole, the association expressed alarm over recent tensions between the refinery and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). DAPPMAN said it felt compelled to correct what it called “inaccurate or misleading claims” that could undermine other companies in the sector.
“The assertion that Nigeria’s downstream stability rests solely on one refinery is misleading and dismissive of the broader ecosystem,” Adewole said. He emphasised that its members have ensured fuel access for decades, investing in infrastructure and operating through difficult economic periods.
Adewole was particularly critical of Dangote’s pricing strategies. He claimed that the refinery’s much-publicised price reductions were not simply patriotic gestures but were strategically timed to disadvantage competitors.
“These reductions were often strategically timed when other importers had active cargoes at sea or in tank, creating price shocks that undermined competition,” he stated.
He then made the core allegation: “Even more concerning is the refinery’s pattern of offering lower prices to international buyers while quoting higher rates to local offtakers. This contradicts public-facing claims of prioritising Nigerians and places an unnecessary burden on domestic businesses.”
DAPPMAN also strongly rejected any suggestion that its members import substandard fuel, stating all imports undergo strict independent testing. “Ironically, the same refinery alleging superiority has on multiple occasions sought waivers to distribute products with sulphur levels above approved thresholds,” Adewole added.
Furthermore, the association dismissed the idea of ‘free delivery’ from the refinery. They explained that marketers are required to lift a quarter of their allocations directly from the refinery using only Dangote-owned trucks, for which they pay commercial rates.
In conclusion, Adewole stressed that while the Dangote Refinery is a valuable player, it is not the sole saviour of the market. “Nigeria’s downstream sector is not driven by one facility alone,” he said. The group called for constructive engagement and responsible communication from all parties to ensure market stability.
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