The Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), representing major fuel marketers and depot owners, has firmly countered claims by the Dangote Refinery that any oil imports priced lower than its own offer must be of substandard quality. This follows statements from Dangote Group’s Chief Branding Officer, Anthony Chiejina, asserting that such products compromise public safety and are facilitated through deals with international traders to bring low-grade fuel into Nigeria.

Responding to these allegations, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, dismissed the accusations as unfounded and damaging to the association’s reputation. “We have reiterated this multiple times: our members, as patriotic Nigerians, have always adhered to standards and will not shortchange the Nigerian public,” Adewole said.

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He explained that the fluctuating prices in international markets mean that landing costs often vary based on global economic factors. He argued that Dangote Refinery’s suggestion of substandard imports is not only erroneous but implies a lack of transparency. “While the refinery has maintained confidentiality over its own pricing, implying lower-cost imports are automatically substandard is both misleading and inaccurate,” he said.

DAPPMAN further criticised the refinery’s claims about the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which Dangote Refinery accused of lacking laboratory facilities to detect fuel quality. Adewole countered this, noting that both the regulator and marketers use internationally accredited laboratories, such as SGS and Inspectorate, to monitor fuel quality rigorously. “The notion that imported fuel isn’t properly tested is simply false. If off-spec fuel were entering the market, it would quickly be detected by these facilities. Additionally, there’s been no recent increase in vehicle issues or environmental damage linked to fuel quality,” he stated.

Adewole also responded to Dangote’s announcement of a 500-million-litre fuel stockpile, expressing surprise, as many marketers reported supply rationing from the refinery. “If such reserves exist, it’s puzzling why marketers were kept in the dark and subjected to rationed allocations,” he observed, calling for clearer communication on supply levels to foster a fair market environment.

Highlighting their commitment to industry standards, DAPPMAN emphasised the need for competition and transparency, urging the Dangote Refinery to adjust its pricing structure in line with market forces rather than project an image of dominance.