Oil marketers across Nigeria are pushing back hard against Dangote Refinery’s new requirement: to qualify for free delivery, buyers must procure at least 500,000 litres of petrol in a single order.
Under the refinery’s gantry pricing of ₦820 per litre, that amounts to a minimum spend of about ₦410 million, or roughly 11 truckloads. Many independent marketers say the threshold is too steep and risks shutting them out of the scheme.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) confirmed that its members are struggling with the new target. Rather than purchase as little as one truck — a long-standing practice — marketers must now pool resources or form alliances just to meet the minimum quantity.
Critics, including energy analysts, argue that the policy could ironically strengthen middlemen and depot operators instead of eliminating them. The fear is that smaller retailers will be forced to rely on wholesalers once again, undermining the refinery’s goal of more direct and efficient distribution.
Meanwhile, tanker owners and distributors have raised objections, warning the policy may violate existing supply contracts and industry regulations. They contend that Dangote’s direct delivery with no transport cost may conflict with the rules under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Stakeholders are calling for immediate adjustments — such as allowing loads per truck — to avoid excluding smaller operators and distorting market competitiveness. The coming days will test whether Dangote will review its policy or hold firm.
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