In a statement, the refinery said that while it already sells products to marketers at its gantry price, DAPPMAN has insisted on taking deliveries through coastal shipping to Apapa depots — an arrangement that would add N75 per litre in costs.
“Specifically, the marketers are demanding that we discount N70 per litre in coastal freight, NIMASA, NPA and other associated charges, as well as N5 per litre for the cost of pumping into vessels,” the refinery disclosed.
Based on Nigeria’s estimated daily consumption of 40 million litres of petrol (PMS) and 15 million litres of diesel (AGO), the refinery calculated that the request translates into an additional N1.505 trillion annually, which it said amounts to asking the company to either absorb the loss or pass it on to consumers.
Refusal to Reintroduce Subsidy
Dangote Petroleum Refinery stressed it would not increase its gantry price to accommodate the demand, nor would it “pay a subsidy of over N1.5 trillion, a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government for many years.” Instead, it invited marketers to lift products directly from its gantry, describing this option as a “logistics-free initiative.”
The company alleged that its rejection of the demand was the main reason behind recent criticisms and public attacks from some marketers.
Domestic Supply and Exports
The refinery maintained it has the capacity to meet domestic fuel demand while also supporting exports. It said it maintains a monthly closing stock of 500 million litres of refined products in storage.
Between June and September, the refinery reported exporting 3,229,881 metric tonnes of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, while marketers imported 3,687,828 metric tonnes of the same products during the same period — an act it described as “dumping” harmful to the Nigerian economy.
Commitment to Reforms
Dangote Petroleum Refinery reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, claiming its operations have helped stabilise the naira, cushion the impact of subsidy removal, strengthen Nigeria’s refining position, boost foreign exchange inflows, and create jobs.
The company added that it maintains close ties with government institutions but would not hesitate to hold agencies accountable when necessary.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains firmly committed to Nigeria’s progress and wellbeing and is open to partnerships with patriotic and responsible stakeholders in pursuit of national development,” the statement concluded.