The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has lauded the decision by Dangote Refinery to reduce the price of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from N990 per litre to N970.
This was made known in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike.
Ukadike, who announced that the independent marketers had commenced the direct lifting of petrol from the refinery since November, disclosed that millions of litres had already been loaded from the Lagos refinery.
However, Ukadike stated that the independent marketers started the loading of the product through MRS Oil pending the completion of the terms of the agreement earlier reached with the refinery.
Explaining the purchasing module, Ukadike said, “There is a pre-arrangement we had. Our experts are putting things together for our documentation. Dangote refinery made some products available to us in MRS and we started the loading gradually (in November). We are buying Dangote products through MRS.”
Addressing concerns that purchasing through MRS Oil is the same as the abolished NNPC’s middleman role, Ukadike clarified, “This is not the issue of a middleman. We have to start with something first to bridge that gap.”
Announcing the commencement of the direct purchase, he said “The most important thing is that IPMAN members have started buying directly from Dangote. We’ve been uploading products stored in the tank and meant for commuters.
The oil marketers expressed optimism that the reduction of petrol price by the refinery with greatly impact the economy stressing, “The reduction in the price of Dangote PMS has also increased demand. We are also anticipating that the price decrease will strengthen the economy.
He reiterated the association’s commitment to eradicating middlemen role in the sector and making petroleum products from Dangote Refinery accessible.
“IPMAN’s direct purchase agreement with Dangote influenced the dwindling price of petrol because it has eradicated the issue of middlemen and profiteering of petroleum products. So the era of middlemen has gone. You can access Dangote as quickly as possible once you pay your money,” he remarked.
It should be recalled that in a November statement in Abuja, IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Garima announced an agreement between the oil marketers and Dangote allowing them to lift petrol directly from his Lagos Refinery.
“After meeting with Aliko Dangote and his management team in Lagos, we are pleased to announce that Dangote Refinery has agreed to supply IPMAN with PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for distribution to our depots and retail outlets,” said Garima.
