The Dangote refinery is considering the possibility of exporting its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has declined to be the exclusive buyer of its product. The NNPC stated that it would only purchase Dangote fuel if it was cheaper than the international market prices. This contradicts earlier statements by the President of the Dangote Group, who mentioned that the refinery was waiting for the NNPC to start purchasing its product.
In response to claims that the NNPC was undermining the Dangote refinery, the NNPC clarified that it would only buy petrol from the refinery if market prices were higher than pump prices in Nigeria. The NNPC emphasized that it has no intention of becoming the sole distributor for any entity in a free market environment.
There have been discussions between the two companies regarding the sale of petrol, but recent statements from the NNPC suggest that negotiations may have hit a roadblock. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has expressed readiness to purchase PMS from Dangote at any price, even if the NNPC does not buy from them.
Amidst these discussions, there have been reports of black marketers selling petrol at higher prices in various states, leading to long queues at some filling stations. Despite the challenges faced by the Dangote refinery, there are hopes that agreements can be reached to ensure the availability of petrol in the Nigerian market.