DAPPMAN refutes Dangote’s dirty fuel importation allegation

Following allegations by Dangote Industries Limited that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is granting licenses indiscriminately to marketers to import ‘dirty refined products,’ the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has responded, calling the information inaccurate.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, DAPPMAN emphasized that no private fuel depot has imported fuel outside the specifications approved by NMDPRA. The association stated that Dangote’s claims are misleading.

DAPPMAN highlighted that NMDPRA initially objected to ship-to-ship operations for fuel imports, a move that was later rescinded after protests from downstream operators. Between February and May 2024, NMDPRA allowed AGO imports with a maximum sulphur content of 200 ppm. However, the regulator later attempted to fast-track the implementation of a 50 ppm sulphur limit on PMS and AGO imports to June 1, 2024, limiting marketers’ sources to Dangote Refinery, which hasn’t installed desulphurization equipment yet.

DAPPMAN resisted this move, warning against promoting a monopoly in the sector. The association pointed out that Dangote’s current AGO blend, with sulphur contents of 1200 ppm, is classified as ‘dirty fuel,’ far exceeding the 200 ppm imported by other marketers.

The statement also criticized Dangote Refinery’s pricing strategy, which offers cheaper bulk sales to international buyers over Nigerian buyers, questioning their patriotism.

DAPPMAN reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, healthy fuels to Nigerians competitively, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which opposes monopolies.

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