The Dangote Refinery has announced a delay in the release of premium motor spirit (PMS) to the market, now slated for July instead of this month. This announcement comes as petroleum marketers begin registering with the refinery to secure direct fuel supplies.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, cited minor challenges as the reason for the postponement. “We had a bit of delay, but PMS will start coming out by 10 to 15 of July. But then we want to keep it in the tank to make sure that it settles. So by the third week of July, we’ll be able to come out to take it into the market,” he explained.
The refinery’s initial promise was to end Nigeria’s dependency on imported petrol by starting sales in June. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote had expressed confidence in the refinery’s capacity to meet regional fuel demands. “Right now, Nigeria has no cause to import anything apart from gasoline and by sometime in June, within the next four or five weeks, Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of a litre,” he declared.
As the refinery prepares for production, independent petroleum marketers are eager to secure supplies. The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Hammed Fashola, expressed optimism about the refinery’s impact. “The Dangote refinery can satisfy our needs as far as petroleum products are concerned, especially petrol,” he said.
IPMAN is also pushing for a collective agreement with the refinery to benefit its members who may struggle to purchase large volumes individually. Fashola emphasized the importance of negotiating as a group for better terms. “When you come together as a group, you have that negotiating power on your strength. There is no way we will not negotiate for a discount. That is why we don’t encourage individual company participation,” he stated.
Despite the delay in formal talks, individual marketers have started registering with the refinery. “We have started registering individually with the company,” Fashola confirmed.
The Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Clement Isong, mentioned that the association’s members are already prepared for business with the refinery. “All my members are registered with Dangote. Whenever the product is ready and starts coming out, you will see it in our filling stations,” Isong said.
The Dangote Refinery has also partnered with MRS Oil and Gas for diesel distribution, ensuring consumers access affordable fuel. Anthony Chiejina, the company’s spokesperson, confirmed this strategic partnership in April.
Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the distribution of Dangote-produced petrol, hoping it will reduce the current high pump prices and alleviate fuel scarcity issues. The refinery’s ability to meet domestic and regional fuel demands promises to be a game-changer for the country’s energy sector.