The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has kicked against Dangote Refinery’s move to distribute its petroleum products to outlets nationwide.
Dangote Refinery announced during the weekend that it was getting ready to expand its fuel distribution across the nation.
PETROAN added its voice to the increasing number of industry stakeholders cautioning about the risks associated with a market dominated by a single player.
Speaking on behalf of independent station owners nationwide, PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry cautioned that numerous members are already experiencing pressure.
He said, “We’re not against Dangote’s success. But no single company should control refining, supply, distribution, and retail all at once.
“It’s a monopoly in the making, and it puts thousands of independent operators at risk.”
PETROAN warned that more than 10,000 authorized retail outlets rely on accessing fuel from the open market. This system risks falling apart if Dangote assumes complete control as the exclusive gatekeeper.
PETROAN and other stakeholders are now calling for an open access to loading depots and marine terminals, enforcement of anti-monopoly laws under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, fair pricing structures that allow independent marketers to compete and support for third-party logistics, not just refinery-owned transport fleets.
According to them, these measures will safeguard the diversity of Nigeria’s fuel supply and prevent replacing a flawed subsidy system with a monopoly controlled by the private sector.
“This isn’t about envy, It’s about making sure the downstream sector remains inclusive, competitive, and sustainable for everyone, not just the biggest,” Gillis-Harry added.
