By 9jaeye 
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has openly questioned the Dangote Group’s claim of maintaining a 500 million-liter fuel stock intended to meet Nigeria’s demand. Despite the reported fuel reserves, many IPMAN members report significant challenges in accessing this fuel supply. This shortage has intensified Nigeria’s fuel scarcity, leaving numerous independent stations without adequate stock to meet consumer needs. IPMAN representatives have urged the Dangote Group and relevant authorities to expedite access to fuel to stabilize the market.
Chief Ukadike Chinedu, IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, stated that while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and major marketers have received Dangote-supplied fuel, independent marketers remain largely dependent on NNPCL’s imported stock. He expressed concern over the continued reliance on imported fuel and called for improved distribution mechanisms to include IPMAN trucks in Dangote’s distribution process. With the current limitations, many IPMAN-affiliated stations are facing prolonged delays, which add pressure on independent marketers and restrict fuel availability for everyday consumers.
Dangote Group Addresses Distribution Concerns
In response, Dangote Group representatives have attributed the supply issues to complications in securing affordable local crude oil. This challenge, they explained, forces the refinery to purchase crude at inflated rates from international oil companies (IOCs), significantly impacting overall costs. Due to these elevated costs, Dangote has struggled to supply fuel at competitive prices for independent marketers, despite their substantial reserves. Officials from Dangote have reassured the public that efforts are underway to secure more economical crude supplies, which they expect will enhance distribution capacity and, eventually, reduce fuel prices.
Potential Market Impacts
IPMAN insists that resolving these distribution challenges is critical to achieving market stability and easing fuel costs. A collaboration between Dangote Group and independent marketers could benefit both parties, allowing IPMAN members to provide fuel at more accessible prices across Nigeria’s diverse market segments. Moreover, Dangote’s potential to streamline access to independent marketers could alleviate bottlenecks, helping Nigeria meet its demand and ultimately lowering the burden on consumers.
In the face of these ongoing discussions, IPMAN remains hopeful that effective partnerships will form, ensuring efficient supply chains and enhancing access to affordable fuel.
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