The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is considering restricting the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to major fuel marketers that continue to import petrol into Nigeria, amid concerns over product quality and market practices.
The proposed measure could take effect as early as this week, subject to further consultations and any last-minute intervention, according to reports.
The refinery’s position is reportedly linked to concerns that some marketers may be blending imported petrol with products purchased from Dangote Refinery before distributing the mixture to consumers.
The refinery is concerned that such practices could make it difficult to distinguish between petrol supplied directly by Dangote and products that have subsequently been blended or handled by third parties.
The development could further reshape Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, which has undergone significant changes since the Dangote Refinery began supplying refined products locally.
The 700,000-barrel-per-day facility has emerged as a major source of refined petroleum products for Nigeria and other markets, reducing the country’s traditional dependence on imported fuel. Recent data from the US Energy Information Administration also indicated that Nigeria’s petroleum product exports have increased substantially since the refinery began operations.
The proposed restriction is therefore significant because it could intensify the ongoing debate over petrol imports, competition and pricing in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
Fuel marketers have previously raised concerns over their dealings with the refinery, including disagreements surrounding loading arrangements and pricing. In July, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria reported that some marketers had temporarily stopped loading petrol from the refinery amid a dispute over its operations.
Dangote Refinery has also previously urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and oil marketers to stop importing petrol, arguing that its refinery has sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand.
If implemented, the latest proposed policy could increase pressure on petrol importers while strengthening Dangote’s position in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
The situation will likely remain closely watched by consumers, marketers and regulators, particularly over its potential impact on petrol availability, competition and pump prices across the country.
