The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has entered into a direct supply agreement with Dangote Refinery to streamline product distribution. This development was disclosed in Abuja on Monday by IPMAN National President Abubakar Garima, following a National Working Committee meeting.

According to Garima, the collaboration aims to ensure a consistent and affordable supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other petroleum products across Nigeria. After recent discussions with Aliko Dangote and his executive team, IPMAN secured an agreement to lift PMS, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) directly for delivery to IPMAN’s depots and retail outlets.

Garima encouraged IPMAN members to support Dangote Refinery, highlighting the benefits of backward integration and the positive impact on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. He expressed optimism that the partnership would yield competitive pricing.

Regarding the shift to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Garima confirmed that IPMAN is preparing to establish CNG refill stations nationwide, in line with the federal government’s CNG initiative.

The agreement with Dangote Refinery is anticipated to reduce reliance on intermediaries, lower distribution costs, and enhance fuel availability across Nigeria. The refinery pledged to commence direct supplies to over 30,000 IPMAN members and 150,000 retail outlets nationwide, ensuring a more efficient distribution network.

Previously, IPMAN had raised concerns over the challenges its members faced in securing fuel from Dangote Refinery despite payments to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). However, Dangote Refinery denied receiving any such payments, clarifying that while discussions were ongoing, it had no direct business dealings with IPMAN at the time. The company further clarified that payments made through NNPCL had not authorised the release of PMS to IPMAN.

The refinery reiterated its capacity to meet Nigeria’s petroleum needs and advised IPMAN members to register directly with the company for product purchase.