ABUJA — As petrol scarcity continues across Nigeria, independent petroleum marketers have expressed optimism about being able to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, directly from the Dangote Refinery. This comes as many retail outlets, particularly in Abuja, remain without fuel three months into the current shortage.
Chief Chinedu Ukadike, Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), told Vanguard that a meeting has been scheduled this week between independent marketers and officials from the $20 billion Dangote Refinery to discuss supply arrangements.
“We are pleased that Dangote is exploring new avenues for product distribution, especially to other stakeholders. Currently, they are distributing to major marketers, and we are hopeful that independent marketers will soon be included,” Ukadike said.
He highlighted that Dangote’s plan to distribute petrol through coastal areas using vessels is a promising step toward ending the persistent scarcity. “Once this distribution method is fully operational, it will help eliminate the ‘ghost scarcity’ that has plagued the country,” he added.
However, Ukadike pointed out that pricing remains a significant challenge. Independent marketers need to secure petrol at a competitive price to stay viable in the market. Referring to the current supply price of N766 per litre for major marketers, he noted that the price is high, but said that the supply-demand balance would eventually determine a more reasonable price.
“Deregulation is about competition, and when there is enough supply of the product in the country, the price will naturally come down,” Ukadike explained.
The ongoing negotiations and anticipated agreements with Dangote Refinery have raised hopes that the fuel scarcity may soon ease, especially as the refinery begins direct distribution to a broader range of marketers across Nigeria.