The Dangote oil refinery has began the supply of petroleum products to the Nigerian domestic market, including diesel and aviation jet fuel, starting Tuesday.
Abubakar Maigandi, the head of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed to Reuters that local oil marketers have begun retailing diesel at a price of 1,225 naira ($0.96) per litre after securing a bulk purchase agreement.
Maigandi noted that IPMAN’s members, who oversee approximately 150,000 retail stations nationwide, have commenced the distribution of diesel sourced from the Dangote refinery.
Meanwhile, the smaller Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DPPMAN) disclosed that its members are in the process of obtaining letters of credit to procure petroleum products directly from Dangote.
Femi Adewole, the executive secretary of DPPMAN, stated, “Our members are discussing with banks, and these talks have reached advanced stages. When we have our letters of credit, we will begin lifting products.”
An executive from the company and representatives from various fuel marketing organizations informed Reuters that oil marketers have commenced loading diesel from the Dangote refinery, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of energy self-sufficiency.
Devakumar Edwin, a group executive at Dangote, confirmed the commencement of diesel and jet fuel distribution to the local market, highlighting the substantial quantities available for evacuation.
“We have substantial quantities. Products are being evacuated both by sea and road. Ships are lining up one after another to load diesel and aviation jet fuel,” Edwin explained.
He added, “Ships load a minimum of 26 million litres, though we try to push for 37 million litres vessels, for ease of operations.”
