The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced that its members have temporarily suspended the loading of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from the Dangote Refinery following the refinery’s suspension of petrol loading operations.
Titansloaded reports that the decision has forced many independent marketers to source products from private depots, where depot prices have increased sharply, creating uncertainty in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Western Zone Chairman of IPMAN, Oyewole Akanni, disclosed that the refinery halted petrol loading operations about four days ago without prior notice to marketers or an official explanation.
According to him, the unexpected suspension has disrupted supply schedules, leaving several trucks stranded at the refinery while awaiting product allocation. Akanni revealed that four trucks scheduled to load fuel for his filling stations remain parked at the facility.
He explained that the uncertainty surrounding depot prices has made many marketers cautious about purchasing fresh products. While a few marketers continue to lift petrol from private depots, many others have decided to delay purchases until there is greater clarity on pricing.
The IPMAN chairman noted that some filling stations have already exhausted their existing fuel stock and temporarily suspended sales while waiting for supplies to resume.
Despite the disruption, Akanni assured Nigerians that there is currently no nationwide fuel shortage. He urged motorists to remain calm and avoid panic buying, stressing that adequate fuel is still available across the country.
However, he warned that if the suspension of petrol loading at the Dangote Refinery continues, retail pump prices could increase in the coming days due to rising depot costs.
Akanni also stated that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited may not be insulated from the situation, noting that the state-owned oil company also sources petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery.
The development comes amid reports that some fuel importers are considering increasing depot prices, a move that industry stakeholders fear could eventually translate into higher pump prices for consumers across Nigeria if sustained.
Industry observers say the situation is being closely monitored, as any prolonged disruption in supply from the Dangote Refinery could have significant implications for fuel distribution, market stability, and petrol pricing nationwide.
