In a bold move shaking Nigeria’s energy sector, fuel marketers have openly called for direct access to petrol from the Dangote Refinery, challenging what they describe as the monopolistic control of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited over the distribution network.
Taking to its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), Nigerian Stories broke the news, sparking widespread discussions within the industry. The marketers argue that the NNPC’s stranglehold on fuel distribution has stifled competition and hampered the benefits that could stem from the full operation of Africa’s largest refinery, owned by business magnate Aliko Dangote.
“BREAKING NEWS: Marketers have demanded direct access to petrol from the Dangote refinery, criticising the firm grip of NNPC Limited on the market,” read the statement from Nigerian Stories, underlining the growing frustration among industry players.
The Dangote Refinery, with a daily production capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude oil, was initially expected to liberalize Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. However, with NNPC Limited securing exclusive rights to a significant portion of the refined products, many stakeholders are now questioning whether true market reform is on the horizon.
One prominent marketer, who preferred to remain anonymous, voiced the collective concern: “The dominance of NNPC Limited in the distribution of petroleum products is creating artificial scarcity and inflating prices. We believe that opening up access to the Dangote Refinery will stabilize the market and lead to competitive pricing.”
The ongoing power play between independent marketers and NNPC Limited has put the government under pressure to revisit its policies. As the Dangote Refinery positions itself as a key player in the global energy market, the demand for direct access from marketers signals a potential shift in Nigeria’s fuel supply landscape.
Observers are now waiting to see how the government and NNPC Limited respond to these calls, as the Dangote Refinery’s full potential remains untapped under the current distribution framework.
The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether this demand will usher in a more open and competitive petroleum market in Nigeria or whether NNPC Limited’s control will remain unchallenged. Either way, this development is sure to keep industry players and the general public on edge, with implications that could extend beyond the shores of Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 