The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has voiced concern over recent price cuts by Dangote Refinery, describing the moves as unpatriotic and potentially harmful to ordinary Nigerians. Executive Secretary Olufemi Adewole argued that the refinery’s reductions, made without regard for timing or market impact, have created price shocks that undermine competition and place a financial strain on other market participants.
The warning came after the refinery lowered its gantry price to N820 per litre, with retail prices varying across states. DAPPMAN contended that these cuts were strategically timed to disadvantage other importers and create an uneven playing field. The association also highlighted the refinery’s practice of offering lower prices to international buyers while quoting higher rates to local off‑takers, a contradiction to its public claims of prioritising Nigerians.
DAPPMAN clarified that the notion that Nigeria’s downstream stability depends solely on one refinery is misleading and ignores the broader ecosystem. While welcoming Dangote Refinery as a major infrastructure project, the association noted that its contribution has peaked at only 30‑35 percent of national demand, with the remainder supplied by responsible petroleum product marketers, including DAPPMAN members.
The association rejected allegations that its members sell substandard products, emphasizing that all imports undergo independent, regulator‑accredited laboratory testing in line with Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) protocols and global quality standards. DAPPMAN also disputed claims that the refinery offers “free delivery” to buyers, pointing out that marketers must lift at least 25 percent of their allocations directly from the refinery gantry using only Dangote‑owned trucks and pay commercial rates based on destination.
In summary, DAPPMAN acknowledges Dangote Refinery’s valuable contribution to the economy but stresses that it is not the downstream saviour. The association cautioned against narratives that monopolise credit, shift blame, or undermine investor, partner, and public confidence. It reaffirmed its commitment to competition, transparency, and collaboration in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry, calling on all parties to engage constructively and communicate responsibly.
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