IPMAN Suspends Petrol Loading At Dangote Refinery Amid Price Uncertainty

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) members have temporarily suspended the loading of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from the Dangote Refinery following the facility's unexpected halt in petrol loading operations.

The development was confirmed by the Western Zone Chairman of IPMAN, Oyewole Akanni, who said the disruption has compelled marketers to source products from private depots where prices have risen sharply, creating uncertainty across the downstream petroleum sector.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akanni disclosed that the refinery suspended petrol loading operations about four days ago without prior notice to marketers or any official explanation.

According to him, the abrupt suspension has left several marketers unable to access products, while trucks deployed to the refinery remain idle awaiting loading.

"My stations have four trucks currently at the refinery waiting to load, but operations have not resumed," he said.

Akanni explained that the uncertainty surrounding depot prices has forced many marketers to delay fresh purchases, while some filling stations have temporarily closed after exhausting their existing fuel stock.

He noted that only a limited number of marketers are currently lifting petrol from private depots because operators remain uncertain about future pricing.

Despite the disruption, the IPMAN official assured Nigerians that there is no petrol shortage across the country and urged motorists to avoid panic buying.

However, he warned that retail pump prices could increase if the suspension at the refinery persists and marketers continue relying on more expensive supplies from private depots.

Akanni also noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited could feel the impact of the disruption since it also sources petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery.

The latest development comes amid reports that some fuel importers are considering upward reviews of depot prices, a move that could ultimately translate into higher pump prices for consumers if sustained.

Industry stakeholders are now awaiting clarification from the Dangote Refinery on the reason for the suspension and when normal loading operations will resume.

NAN