Independent petroleum marketers have temporarily stopped lifting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery following the refinery's suspension of petrol loading operations, raising fresh concerns over pricing in the downstream oil sector.
The Western Zonal Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Oyewole Akanni, disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Akanni said the suspension has forced many marketers to obtain supplies from private depots, where petrol prices have risen considerably, creating uncertainty over the cost of the product.
According to him, the unstable pricing environment has made several marketers adopt a wait-and-see approach, while some filling stations have temporarily ceased operations after selling off their existing stock.
He said the Dangote Refinery reportedly suspended petrol loading about four days ago without notifying marketers or giving reasons for the decision.
Akanni revealed that several trucks belonging to independent marketers, including four destined for his own retail outlets, have remained stranded at the refinery awaiting loading.
He added that only a handful of marketers are currently lifting products from private depots because of uncertainty over future pricing.
Despite the disruption, the IPMAN official assured consumers that there is no fuel scarcity in the country and advised motorists not to engage in panic buying.
He, however, warned that if the situation persists and marketers continue to rely on more expensive depot supplies, petrol pump prices could increase.
Akanni also noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited could feel the impact of the disruption since it also obtains petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery.
The latest development comes as some fuel importers are reportedly considering increasing depot prices, a move that could ultimately affect retail petrol prices nationwide if maintained.
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