Your Statement Laced With Inaccuracies, Marketers Reply Dangote Refinery

• DAPPMAN clarifies none of its members imports dirty fuel, refuting claims from Dangote Refinery as “laced with inaccuracies”
• DAPPMAN criticizes Dangote Refinery’s pricing model favouring international buyers, reiterating commitment to providing safe fuels competitively

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has clarified that none of its members imports dirty fuel. This response came after allegations from Dangote Refinery that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was attempting to frustrate its operations by granting licenses indiscriminately to marketers for importing dirty fuel.

In a statement, DAPPMAN refuted these claims, asserting that “no member of the association and indeed, no private fuels depot has imported into the country any fuel with specification that is outside of the regulation other than what is currently approved by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).” The association described the information from the Dangote Refinery Management as “laced with inaccuracies.”

DAPPMAN highlighted that NMDPRA had initially objected to offshore ship-to-ship operations for fuel transfers, a move that was resisted by downstream operators and eventually rescinded. Furthermore, between February and May 2024, NMDPRA permitted AGO imports with a maximum sulfur content of 200 ppm. However, there was an attempt to fast-track the implementation of a 50 ppm sulfur limitation on PMS and AGO imports from December 31, 2024, to June 1, 2024, which would limit all marketers’ AGO sources to Dangote Refinery, despite its current production of AGO with sulfur contents exceeding 50 ppm.

DAPPMAN emphasized that despite the resistance to these regulatory changes, Dangote Refinery had reported producing AGO with sulfur contents of 1200 ppm, questioning the refinery’s claims about NMDPRA granting licenses for importing dirty refined products.

The association also criticized Dangote Refinery’s pricing model, which allegedly favours international buyers over Nigerian buyers, questioning the refinery’s patriotism. DAPPMAN reiterated its commitment to providing safe, healthy fuels to Nigerians competitively and in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which opposes any form of monopoly.

“DAPPMAN will continue to work with all stakeholders, including Dangote Refinery, to provide safe, healthy fuels to all Nigerians competitively, giving them great and affordable fueling options for their daily activities,” the statement concluded.