DAPPMAN Issues 7 Day Ultimatum To Dangote Refinery

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria has given the Dangote Petroleum Refinery one week to either withdraw its claims of fuel smuggling or present evidence to support them.

The association, in a statement, described Dangote’s allegations as misleading and harmful to Nigeria’s downstream sector. It argued that such claims distort the realities of the market, weaken regulatory institutions, and create room for monopoly.

Dangote had earlier alleged that some marketers were diverting fuel to neighbouring countries, but DAPPMAN dismissed the charge, insisting that only Customs and security agencies have the mandate to investigate such issues. The group warned that failure to provide proof or retract the allegation within seven days would push them to seek legal action.

DAPPMAN also rejected Dangote’s claim that marketers were behind the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria’s planned strike, stressing that unions such as NUPENG, NARTO, MEMAN, and IPMAN act independently.

On pricing, the group said recent cuts in petrol costs were driven by a stronger naira, falling crude oil prices, and better foreign exchange liquidity, not Dangote’s operations. It defended Nigeria’s refined fuel exports to West Africa, explaining that Offshore Lomé serves as a trading hub and not a blending centre.

The marketers further accused Dangote of double standards, alleging that the refinery sells to foreign buyers at discounts of more than $40 per metric tonne while limiting Nigerian marketers.

DAPPMAN also raised concerns about fuel quality, saying Dangote itself sought regulatory approval to distribute petrol with sulphur levels above legal limits. It maintained that only the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has the authority to monitor volumes, not private refineries.

The group expressed worry over Dangote’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas trucks, citing safety risks and the possibility of worsening congestion along the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

Concluding its statement, DAPPMAN said it is open to competition but will resist any attempt to tilt the market unfairly. It urged stakeholders to protect deregulation reforms and avoid rhetoric that undermines confidence in regulators.