We’re only aware of NNPCL as sole importer of petrol — NMDPRA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has clarified that, to its knowledge, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) remains the sole importer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

This statement came in response to media reports suggesting that three other marketers had begun importing petrol due to current pricing from NNPCL.

Addressing the claim, NMDPRA’s Head of Public Affairs, George Ita-Ene, stated, “We are only aware of NNPCL as the sole importer of petrol.”

Ita-Ene dismissed the reports, adding, “I don’t think it’s true that other marketers are importing petrol into Nigeria.”

Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), also confirmed that his members had not made any decisions about the market, as the NNPCL has not adjusted prices since Dangote began petrol production.

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He highlighted that petrol supply to marketers has increased steadily this week and urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s energy policies, expressing optimism that these policies will reduce dollar demand and strengthen the Naira.

“There’s no change in pump prices from NNPCL. We are waiting to see how Dangote’s partnership with us will unfold,” Maigandi said.

Despite increased supply, queues for petrol were still visible in Abuja, especially at lower-priced outlets like NNPCL, Total, and Conoil. While NNPCL kept its price steady at N897 per litre, other outlets charged between N926 and N990 per litre. Black marketers sold 10 litres for N12,000 to N14,000.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE