Amid rising fuel prices and concerns over supply, oil marketers in Nigeria are now sourcing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) directly from the Dangote Refinery, bypassing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). With recent adjustments in President Tinubu’s cabinet, calls have increased for a dedicated petroleum minister to stabilize the sector. Austin Aigbe, an advocacy lead with ECOWAS, stressed the urgent need for experienced leadership to navigate these energy challenges.
The Dangote Refinery’s direct sales to marketers represent a shift in the supply chain, creating a “willing-buyer, willing-seller” model that gives oil marketers a direct line to fuel sources. Meanwhile, vessels carrying millions of liters of imported PMS continue to dock, supplementing domestic fuel availability. The NNPCL, meanwhile, has begun steps to address its $6 billion debt, adding another layer to Nigeria’s fuel sector complexities.