The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has dismissed accusations by the Dangote Group that its members are importing low-quality Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigeria. Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN spokesperson, addressed the allegations in an exclusive interview with Media Talk Africa on Monday, refuting the claims as “baseless and untrue.”
Dangote Refinery had alleged on Sunday that some petroleum marketers were cutting costs by importing cheaper, substandard petrol into the Nigerian market. In response, Ukadike stated that issues related to bad fuel had been resolved within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, noting that there have been no recent complaints about imported fuel quality. “Months back, I remember one or two stations raised the issue of bad fuel; since then, the issue has been addressed,” he said, labeling the allegations as “unfounded and baseless.”
Media Talk Africa reports that NNPC retail stations currently sell PMS at prices ranging from ₦1,025 to ₦1,060 per liter, while other fuel stations offer it between ₦1,115 and ₦1,300 per liter. Amid rising ex-depot prices from Dangote Refinery, IPMAN announced plans last Friday to seek more affordable petrol options for Nigerian consumers.
Since Dangote Petrol’s entry into the market on September 15, 2024, there have been multiple price hikes, leading to the current cost range of ₦1,025 to ₦1,300 per liter, sparking increased debate on fuel pricing in Nigeria.
