The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has requested that billionaire Aliko Dangote reconsider his pricing strategy for petrol, following claims of a boycott by independent marketers. IPMAN President Abubakar Garima addressed these issues, stating that, despite an advance payment of ₦40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), IPMAN members are facing challenges loading petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Garima questioned Dangote’s assertion that independent marketers prefer imported petrol over the refinery’s products. He clarified that IPMAN does not import petrol, and suggested direct registration for IPMAN members to simplify the loading process.
“If he (Dangote) can sell directly to us, we’re prepared to buy, as we have pre-paid for access. Recently, some of my marketers were sent by NNPCL to the Dangote Refinery, only to wait four days without loading,” Garima noted.
In a recent discussion with President Bola Tinubu, Dangote mentioned holding 500 million litres in storage but expressed frustration over unused inventory. Garima responded by highlighting that IPMAN’s 20,000 members could facilitate rapid distribution if granted direct access, potentially easing fuel prices for consumers.
With Nigeria facing skyrocketing fuel and living costs, Garima suggested a pricing review by Dangote could benefit the market.
