LAGOS, Nigeria — Dangote Petroleum Refinery has alleged that the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) demanded an annual subsidy of ₦1.505 trillion to enable its members sell fuel at the same price as the refinery’s gantry.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the refinery said marketers insist on lifting products through coastal logistics instead of directly from its gantry, a choice it claimed would add ₦75 per litre in extra costs.
Based on daily consumption of 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 15 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), the refinery calculated the additional cost at more than ₦1.5 trillion annually.
“Specifically, the marketers are demanding that we discount ₦70 per litre in coastal freight, NIMASA, NPA and other associated costs, as well as ₦5 per litre for the cost of pumping into vessels, to enable them to transport products from our refinery to their depots in Apapa and sell at the same price as our gantry,” the statement read.
The company stressed it would neither raise its gantry price to accommodate such demands nor agree to bear the burden of what it described as “a subsidy that historically defrauded the Federal Government for many years.”
Dangote said its refusal to meet DAPPMAN’s request was the reason behind “recent public criticisms and attacks,” insisting it maintains enough stock to meet domestic demand while also supporting exports.
The refinery claimed it holds a monthly closing stock of 500 million litres of refined products.
It disclosed that between June and September, it exported 3,229,881 metric tonnes of PMS, AGO and aviation fuel, while marketers imported 3,687,828 metric tonnes over the same period.
The refinery described the imports as “dumping” harmful to the Nigerian economy.
The company reiterated support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, claiming its interventions had helped stabilise the naira, cushion the impact of subsidy removal, boost foreign exchange inflows and create jobs.
“We enjoy strong working relationships with government agencies and remain committed to supporting their efforts, while not hesitating to hold institutions accountable where necessary,” the refinery said.
It added that it remained open to partnerships with “patriotic and responsible stakeholders” but would not bow to pressure from industry groups.
Dangote also reaffirmed its position on a recent statement about DAPPMAN published in national newspapers on Monday, September 15, 2025.
It said any aggrieved parties were free to seek redress in court.
“The refinery will not be swayed by threats or so-called seven-day ultimatums and is fully prepared to defend its position through all legitimate means,” the statement concluded.
