IPMAN explains why marketers suspended petrol loading at Dangote refinery
Petroleum marketers have explained that the suspension of petrol loading at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery followed the refinery’s decision to stop selling petrol at its loading fuel depot.
According to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the refinery stopped loading operations without prior notice and did not state the reason for the decision or when sales would resume.
Oyewole Akanni, chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said marketers suspended loading after Dangote Refinery stopped petrol sales at its loading fuel depot, forcing many to source products from private depots at higher prices.
“The non-availability of fuel at some filling stations and the closure of others are due to fluctuations in the price of lifting fuel from depots,” he said.
“Since Dangote Refinery stopped selling PMS about four days ago, private depot owners have increased their prices.
“Many filling stations that have exhausted their stock are waiting to see whether prices will come down when Dangote refinery resumes sales or increase further.”
The development left marketers unable to load petrol from the refinery, prompting them to suspend loading activities while awaiting further information.
IPMAN said some marketers have temporarily turned to private depots to source products, while others are waiting for the refinery to resume petrol sales.
The association said the suspension was a direct consequence of the refinery’s decision to stop petrol sales at its loading fuel depot.
