The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has dismissed reports claiming that its members suspended the lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, from the Dangote Refinery.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, debunked the claims in an interview on Monday, insisting that marketers have continued to load petroleum products from the refinery.
The clarification followed reports that surfaced earlier in the day alleging that independent marketers had halted petrol lifting from the 700,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery over the company’s decision to sell refined petroleum products in dollars.
However, Ukadike described the reports as false, stressing that IPMAN members had not suspended operations at the refinery.
“It is not true. Our members never suspended petrol lifting from Dangote Refinery,” he said.
According to him, petroleum marketers across the country are still lifting products from the refinery despite the challenges confronting operators in the downstream sector.
Ukadike noted that the prevailing uncertainty in the downstream petroleum industry has continued to make business operations difficult for marketers.
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He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to initiate discussions with the Dangote Refinery on the resumption of naira-denominated transactions for refined petroleum products.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the refinery’s decision last week to resume the sale of petroleum products in dollars, a move that has sparked volatility in fuel prices nationwide.
Industry stakeholders have expressed fears that the dollar-based pricing system could further strain the downstream market and increase the cost burden on consumers.
Reports indicate that petrol prices have climbed by more than N100 per litre within a week, with the commodity now selling between N1,155 and N1,280 per litre in Abuja and surrounding areas.
The development has renewed calls for policy measures aimed at stabilising fuel prices and ensuring a sustainable supply framework in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
