The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has instructed its members nationwide to give priority to purchasing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, citing competitive pricing and the need to strengthen local refining capacity.

In a statement, IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, said the move is aimed at cutting Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and supporting domestic production. He urged members across the country to patronise the Dangote Refinery, noting that its pricing currently offers better value to marketers.

Shettima disclosed that the directive aligns with plans by the refinery to improve supply logistics. From January 2026, the Dangote Refinery is expected to commence direct PMS distribution to registered IPMAN members, including delivery to filling stations nationwide at no additional cost. The development, he said, could help stabilise fuel supply and ease pressure on pump prices.

IPMAN, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of petrol retail outlets in Nigeria, warned that continued fuel importation undermines the local market, depletes foreign exchange reserves, leads to job losses and discourages investment in domestic refining. Shettima criticised the ongoing issuance of fuel import licences, calling on regulators to place greater emphasis on local production.

The association also revealed its interest in owning refineries, with Shettima appealing to the new leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to introduce policies that would enable independent marketers to invest in and operate refineries. According to him, such a move would further expand Nigeria’s refining capacity.

IPMAN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent changes in leadership within the petroleum regulatory agencies, saying the reforms have encouraged stronger industry partnerships, including collaboration with the Dangote Refinery, aimed at improving fuel availability for Nigerians.

The association, however, raised concerns over unresolved issues affecting its members, particularly more than N190 billion in outstanding bridging claims yet to be settled.

The latest directive comes amid broader efforts to move Nigeria towards self-sufficiency in petroleum products after years of dependence on fuel imports due to the poor performance of state-owned refineries. Industry watchers say closer cooperation between IPMAN and the Dangote Refinery could enhance supply stability and reduce fuel costs in the near future.