The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria has given the Dangote Group a seven-day ultimatum to retract its claims that marketers are diverting petrol to neighbouring countries.
The association threatened to take legal action if the refinery giant does not provide proof or withdraw the allegations.
The clash began when Dangote alleged that some marketers were buying fuel at a discount from its refinery for domestic supply, but were instead smuggling it across borders where prices are much higher. The company described this as a long-running drain on Nigeriaโs resources and said it would not be involved in such practices.
In a strong response, DAPPMAN rejected the claims and challenged Dangote to provide verifiable evidence. The association stated, โWe challenge the Dangote refinery to present verifiable evidence that DAPPMAN members are diverting products to neighbouring countries. Smuggling is a national security matter. If any member is complicit, let the relevant agencies act. Otherwise, this allegation must be retracted within seven days, or we reserve the right to seek legal redress.โ
Dangote had earlier accused certain groups of trying to exploit its discounted prices while selling fuel abroad for more money. The company stated, โThe strategy remains the same: purchase from the refinery at discounted rates under the guise of domestic supply, then divert those products to neighbouring countries where pump prices are nearly double. This well-worn tactic has drained Nigeriaโs resources for years, and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will not be complicit.โ
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court in Abuja has blocked two transport unions from going on strike or blocking operations at the Dangote refinery and related companies. The court order prevents the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from disrupting business activities.
DAPPMAN also argued that recent drops in fuel prices were due to a stronger naira and lower global oil prices, not Dangoteโs pricing. The association accused the refinery of trying to dominate the local market while exporting fuel to other countries itself.
In reply, Dangote said it stood by its statement and was prepared to defend its position. The company claimed that DAPPMAN was effectively asking for a annual subsidy of N1.5 trillion to cover its costs. โWe wish to make it clear that we have no intention of increasing our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over N1.5tn, a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government for many years,โ the company said.
The refinery added that it maintains strong stock levels and has exported significant amounts of fuel while supporting the governmentโs economic reforms.
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