The Dangote refinery has accused the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NMDPRA) of issuing import licences that caused petrol imports to exceed local demand in November 2025.
Reports had claimed that import volumes surged during the period over a pricing dispute between marketers and the refinery, which led to a fallout between both parties.
In a statement on Friday by Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s spokesperson, the plant said no supply agreement with marketers had collapsed.
Addressing the surge in petrol imports recorded in November, the refinery explained that the increase coincided with import licensing decisions approved by the former leadership of NMDPRA, which “sanctioned volumes beyond prevailing domestic demand”.
Dangote refinery said the situation had nothing to do with its production capacity or supply commitments.
The refinery explained that its participation in the downstream market was intentionally structured to respond to rising demand while improving access, competition, and efficiency.
Dangote refinery added that supplies to marketers commenced in October 2025 with an agreed offtake volume of 600 million litres of petrol, which later increased to 900 million litres in November, and subsequently to 1.5 billion litres in December.
According to the refinery, the volumes were expanded in line with market growth and absorption capacity.
The plant said following market liberalisation, petrol supply was opened to all eligible marketers, bulk consumers, and filling station operators.
Since December 16, 2025, the refinery noted, it has consistently dispatched between 31 million and 48 million litres of petrol daily from its gantry, depending on market demand.
The figures, the plant said, can be verified from depot and loading records maintained under regulatory supervision.
To broaden participation and enhance distribution efficiency, the refinery said it introduced several measures, including reducing the minimum purchase quantity from two million litres to 250,000 litres, and offering a 10-day credit window backed by bank guarantees.
Dangote refinery also rejected claims that marketers withdrew due to pricing concerns, maintaining that its ex-gantry prices remain competitive, market-driven, aligned with import parity benchmarks, and compliant with regulatory and quality standards.
Also, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has opposed the continued importation of petrol into the country.
The association also denied reports suggesting that the surge in petrol imports in November 2025 was linked to a breakdown in supply arrangements between Dangote refinery and petroleum marketers
According to IPMAN, the report does not reflect the reality experienced by its members.
Speaking on the issue, Abubakar Garima, IPMAN’s national president, said its members fully support the refinery.
Since supply began, marketers have consistently lifted products without any complaints,” he said.
“We oppose continued importation because Dangote Refinery has the capacity to meet the country’s entire PMS demand.”
