The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has called on the Dangote Refinery to adopt an open-door supply policy, ensuring marketers have fair access to petroleum products at reasonable prices. According to DAPPMAN spokesperson, Ikem Ohia, this partnership would guarantee a steady fuel supply across the country, ultimately benefiting Nigerians.
Ohia emphasized that the association’s primary goal is to have petroleum products available at consistent and reasonable prices, eliminating stock-outs and fuel queues. He dismissed rumors of conflict between DAPPMAN and the Dangote Refinery, stating that the association seeks collaboration to ensure a stable supply of fuel.
DAPPMAN members have established a robust distribution network over the past 20 years, with strategically located depots in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Lagos. Ohia urged the Dangote Refinery to utilize these existing depots to meet the demands of Nigerians. He clarified that the matter is purely commercial, with no request for subsidies.
The spokesperson explained that global refineries typically supply petroleum products through two models: wholesale bulk lifting by vessels and ex-gantry retail sales. DAPPMAN is seeking a similar arrangement with the Dangote Refinery. By working together, the association aims to provide Nigerians with a reliable and consistent fuel supply, ultimately reducing the occurrence of fuel queues.
The Dangote Refinery is currently the dominant supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria, a development welcomed by marketers. However, the core challenge remains access and pricing. Ohia reiterated that DAPPMAN’s key interest is to ensure petroleum products are offered at reasonable prices, consistently and without stock-outs, to benefit Nigerians.
As the Nigerian fuel market continues to evolve, the partnership between DAPPMAN and the Dangote Refinery is crucial in addressing the country’s fuel supply challenges. With a robust distribution network in place, DAPPMAN is well-positioned to work with the refinery to provide a stable and consistent fuel supply, ultimately driving economic growth and development in Nigeria.
