IPMAN Strikes Deal with Dangote Refinery to Source Fuel Locally as Importation Era Ends
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced a pivotal agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, signalling a shift in the Nigerian fuel market. With over 30,000 members ready to purchase petrol directly from the Lekki-based refinery, IPMAN expects the supply chain overhaul to reduce reliance on imported fuel and bring down consumer prices nationwide.
IPMAN President Abubakar Garima confirmed on Tuesday that this direct sourcing arrangement, which offers petrol at rates of N940 per litre by ship and N990 per litre by truck, will allow independent marketers to bypass intermediaries like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Garimabelieves the streamlined process will reduce prices at the pump, potentially by up to N50 per litre, benefiting consumers across the country.
“For the first time, we’ll have the option to load vessels directly from Dangote’s refinery, which gives us an edge on pricing and logistics,” Garima told Channels Television. He added that the elimination of third-party costs would allow marketers to pass the savings directly to consumers.
The development follows the Dangote refinery’s recent pivot away from NNPC’s exclusive off-taker model, granting independent marketers the chance to lift multiple petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, directly from the 650,000-barrel-per-day plant. According to Garima, IPMAN’s regional depots across Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar will now act as primary distribution centres, allowing them to meet demand without the extended waiting times that have previously led to fuel shortages.
IPMAN is already completing the required paperwork for bulk purchases, with Chinedu Ukadike, the association’s National Publicity Secretary, confirming plans for large-scale procurements on behalf of members. Meanwhile, IPMAN Vice President Hammed Fashola confirmed that if this model delivers on its promise of affordable, readily available fuel, the association sees little reason to maintain import licences.
The deal also aligns with a recent decision by the Dangote refinery to cancel a tender for the export of gasoline, affirming its commitment to meet domestic demand as a priority. “We have the stocks,” a Dangote official said, confirming that the refinery is preparing its first exports but will focus on meeting Nigeria’s needs first.
With the supply chain reforms, IPMAN expects to bring much-needed stability to the Nigerian fuel market, where prices have surged in recent years. Garima concluded by reiterating that the collaboration “is about more than price—it’s a chance to ensure affordable, reliable fuel supplies for the people of Nigeria.
