Nigeria’s independent fuel marketers have asked the Federal Government to intervene in Dangote Refinery’s pricing and distribution operations after petrol prices climbed to between N1,310 and N1,345 per litre in Abuja and surrounding areas.
Marketers seek government intervention
Abubakar Maigandi, national president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), made the request in an interview on Tuesday. He called on the government to negotiate an arrangement with Dangote Refinery that could bring down prices at filling stations nationwide.
- Petrol now sells for between N1,310 and N1,345 per litre in Abuja and nearby locations.
- The increase followed higher gantry prices from Dangote Refinery and increased ex-depot charges from depot operators.
- IPMAN wants the government to work with domestic refiners to ease the pressure on retail fuel prices.
IPMAN distinguishes proposal from subsidy
Maigandi said government action in the downstream petroleum market should not be interpreted as a return to fuel subsidy. In his view, intervention would be justified when market conditions create serious difficulties for consumers and businesses.
He said the government should step in and reach an agreement with Dangote Refinery to lower fuel costs, adding that cooperation with Nigerian refineries could eventually reduce petrol prices across the country.
Price pressure spreads through the supply chain
The appeal comes as higher refinery and depot prices feed through to retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. IPMAN believes a government-brokered arrangement with refiners could moderate those costs without reintroducing a formal fuel-subsidy programme.
