The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has called on the Dangote Refinery to adopt a more inclusive supply model that ensures fair access to petroleum products for marketers across the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, DAPPMAN spokesperson Ikem Ohia stressed that the association is not at war with the refinery but only wants collaboration that guarantees fuel availability for Nigerians.
“Our interest is simple: we want products consistently supplied at reasonable prices so that Nigerians don’t have to queue for fuel,” Ohia said.
He explained that DAPPMAN members have built an extensive distribution network over the last two decades, with depots strategically positioned in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. According to him, using these depots for bulk product deliveries would serve the nation far better than relying solely on the refinery’s 4,000 newly acquired CNG-powered trucks.
While acknowledging that the Dangote Refinery is the dominant player in the downstream sector, Ohia raised concerns about access and pricing, noting that only a few marketers currently benefit from supply arrangements. “The key questions are: at what price do we get these products, and do we really have access to them?” he asked.
He clarified that marketers are not seeking subsidies but fair commercial terms, adding that most refineries worldwide operate bulk lifting systems through off-takers rather than depending on limited retail gantry sales.
The debate over Dangote’s supply strategy has fueled fears of monopoly in the downstream market. Many marketers argue that restricting supply to a few partners cannot meet nationwide demand.
Earlier this week, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola weighed in, urging DAPPMAN to restructure its operations and even consider purchasing the Port Harcourt Refinery as a way of staying relevant instead of clashing with Dangote.
The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gilly-Harris, also argued that 4,000 trucks are not enough to reach every part of the country, reinforcing the need for depot networks to remain part of the distribution chain.
Negotiations between DAPPMAN and the Dangote Refinery are still ongoing, but marketers insist that an open-door supply policy will not only strengthen businesses but also stabilize fuel distribution nationwide.
