As Nigerians anticipate the release of premium motor spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery this month, petroleum marketers have begun registering with the company to secure direct fuel supply.

Marketers are signing up as individual business owners to obtain direct fuel deliveries from the refinery. Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) continues negotiations with Dangote Refinery to arrange bulk supplies for members who cannot purchase large volumes independently.

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, announced last month that PMS sales would begin in June, aiming to end petrol importation into Nigeria. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote expressed optimism about transforming Africa’s energy landscape. “By June, Nigeria should not import any gasoline; we will have enough for the entire West Africa, and export to Brazil and Mexico,” he stated.

Dangote’s announcement has been well-received by marketers, who have faced challenges importing fuel. IPMAN National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, expressed confidence in the refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s petroleum needs, especially petrol. Fashola highlighted the eagerness among marketers to start lifting fuel from the refinery, noting that this development would alleviate fuel scarcity by eliminating the need for imports.

Despite individual registrations, Fashola emphasized the need for IPMAN to secure a formal supply agreement with Dangote Refinery. IPMAN, which controls over 80% of Nigeria’s filling stations, seeks to negotiate bulk purchase discounts. “We are a ready-made market for Dangote. We have sent a proposal and are awaiting a response,” Fashola said.

In response to whether IPMAN had met with Dangote, Fashola indicated ongoing discussions while confirming that individual marketers are already applying for the product. Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) Executive Secretary, Clement Isong, was uncertain about the registration status of his members.

There are speculations that the refinery might distribute petrol through major marketers, similar to its diesel sales arrangement with MRS. Dangote’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, confirmed a strategic partnership with MRS for diesel distribution in April.

When the refinery began operations in January, MEMAN members had already registered with Dangote to purchase and sell the refinery’s products. “We were waiting for production to start, and now we will discuss the commercial terms,” Isong stated.

The Dangote Group confirmed that three prominent associations—Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and MEMAN—constituting 75% of Nigeria’s market, have registered as distributors. Nigerians eagerly await Dangote petrol, hoping it will reduce the current pump price, which is crucial for transportation and power generation.