Dangote Refinery stops petrol sales to importing marketers

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has stopped selling Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, to major marketers importing petroleum products into Nigeria.

According to The Punch, an official of the refinery said the decision was taken because some importers allegedly blend Dangote’s petrol with imported products.

“We are not selling petrol to those who are importing, since they are trying to blend our high-quality products with their ultra-low-quality imported products,” the source said.

Another source said the refinery now preferred selling to independent marketers and others not involved in imports.

The development reportedly influenced some marketers’ decision to seek a court order compelling the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to continue issuing import licences.

Reacting, some marketers accused Dangote of attempting to block fuel imports and challenged the refinery to provide evidence that imported petrol failed quality standards.

“We know what Dangote is trying to do. He is just trying to block imports,” one marketer said.

IPMAN National Vice Chairman Hamed Fashola said Dangote was selective about its customers.

“We buy our product anywhere we feel it is cheap. Anywhere we see the product, we go for it, both Dangote and the importers. We always go for the best price,” he said.

Suggested headlines:

1. Dangote Refinery Stops Petrol Sales to Importing Marketers
2. Dangote Blocks Petrol Sales to Fuel Importers Over Blending
3. Dangote, Marketers Clash Over Petrol Importation, Blending
4. Petrol: Dangote Stops Sales to Importers, Marketers Kick