By Barikui Felix
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Rivers State Chapter, has welcomed the announcement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery to commence the free distribution of petrol and diesel to marketers, dealers, and large-scale consumers nationwide starting August 15, 2025, describing it as a positive development for the oil and gas sector.
The association praised the initiative as a step toward addressing some of the longstanding challenges faced by stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, particularly independent marketers. These challenges include inconsistent supply, high transportation costs, infrastructural limitations, and fluctuating market prices—all of which have affected their ability to serve end users efficiently and sustainably.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Tekena Ikpaki, IPMAN Rivers noted that as a dominant player in Nigeria’s refining and fuel distribution landscape, Dangote Refinery is uniquely positioned to play a transformative role in enhancing national energy security and improving logistics efficiency.
The association described the decision to deploy 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers as a forward-thinking investment that not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also directly tackles domestic logistics challenges.
IPMAN said the development is especially timely as Nigeria continues to face economic recovery pressures and persistent energy supply issues. It added that by providing an alternative and reliable supply channel alongside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dangote Refinery is offering marketers critical access to competitive product sources. This, they said, reduces overdependence on any single supplier and promotes healthy market competition.
The statement emphasized that a multi-source supply model is crucial to building a robust and equitable petroleum distribution system. More supply options, it noted, would mean greater flexibility for marketers, improved pricing mechanisms, and ultimately more stability for consumers at the pump.
IPMAN Rivers also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, stating that the initiative is a testament to the impact of industrial leadership aligned with national development goals. While the gesture of free product distribution may appear generous, the association called on all stakeholders, including regulators, to ensure that such programs are implemented transparently and inclusively, so independent marketers across all regions benefit equally.
The association reiterated its support for investments that improve fuel supply chain efficiency, including logistics, storage, and pricing systems. However, it also urged continued regulatory oversight to ensure a level playing field in the market, warning that no player, regardless of size, should operate at the expense of overall market fairness.
IPMAN Rivers further acknowledged that the Dangote Refinery initiative would complement the Crude-for-Naira strategy currently being executed by the NNPCL to stabilize the naira and ensure consistent fuel supply. It described the combined efforts of both entities as a shared commitment to national growth, energy security, and market stability.
Appreciating the resilience, innovation, and ongoing support shown by both Dangote Petroleum Refinery and NNPCL, IPMAN Rivers reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Dangote Group, NNPCL, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other industry stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of the initiative reach all relevant parties.
