The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has confirmed that its members stand ready to lift petrol and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery provided that prices are fair and access to bulk volumes becomes available.
Speaking on Oil & Gas Watch with Olatide Jeremiah, CEO of Petroleumprice.ng, on Smailz FM 98.7, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole clarified its position in the ongoing national fuel supply conversation.
“If Dangote’s product is cheaper, we’ll patronise him. We have no issue with Dangote. But we won’t keep losing money,” said a senior DAPPMAN representative.
Depot Owners Demand Open Access and Bulk Supply
DAPPMAN members operate large depots across Nigeria’s coastal axis and depend on vessel loading in bulk volumes 15,000 to 25,000 metric tonnes due to vessel channel draft restrictions.
However, the association noted that Dangote Refinery currently favours gantry-level supply and selected marketers.
“Dangote prefers dealing with a few. But we’re depot owners, we lift in bulk. If the loading portal opens to us, we’ll integrate Dangote fully into our national supply chain,” the official explained.
Local Supply Preferred, But Importation Is Legal and Viable
Although the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) empowers marketers to import petrol, DAPPMAN made it clear that depot operators prefer sourcing products locally to reduce logistics costs and support in-country refining.
“It’s not our wish to import. We would rather buy from a local source and sell to Nigerians. But the opportunities remain limited,” the official stressed.
Talks Ongoing with Dangote Refinery Management
DAPPMAN confirmed that it remains in ongoing discussions with Dangote Refinery at the highest levels of management, seeking clarity on product pricing, bulk access, and equal market opportunity.
“We’re ready. Our members have depots across the country and we want to buy locally. But is Dangote ready to sell to us at scale?” he asked.
The association insists it will support local refining if terms are competitive and supply logistics allow for seamless nationwide distribution.
Price Will Decide Where We Buy – DAPPMAN
The association reiterated that affordability and fairness remain its guiding principles. If Dangote’s prices are fair and match international benchmarks and product loading is inclusive, DAPPMAN will shift fully to local sourcing.
“If imported cargo lands cheaper, we’ll import. If Dangote offers us a better deal, we’ll buy. Nigerians deserve the best price,” the source said.
Access, Affordability Will Shape Downstream Shift
DAPPMAN has no hesitation about supporting Dangote Refinery. However, competitive pricing and open access must drive the relationship.
As pressure mounts to stabilise Nigeria’s downstream sector, depot owners remain committed to serving the public with quality fuel at the best possible price.
