Oil marketers have clarified their stance regarding the Dangote Refinery, asserting that they are not against the facility and are willing to purchase refined Premium Motor Spirit from it. Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), shared this position during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday. He emphasized that marketers would engage in buying products from the refinery if market conditions are properly negotiated and agreed upon.
Gillis-Harry indicated that discussions are underway, with plans for marketers to meet with representatives from Dangote Refinery this week. The aim of these discussions is to establish a foundation for a collaborative relationship that benefits all parties involved. He highlighted the necessity for direct business conversations rather than relying on public discourse, which has characterized previous communications.
He expressed pride in the efforts made by Dangote Refinery, acknowledging the sacrifices made for the country’s oil sector. Gillis-Harry pointed out that, despite this pride, it is crucial for the business aspects to be addressed appropriately. He noted the existence of established procedures for conducting business with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and stressed that engaging in proper negotiations would facilitate smoother operations.
This clarification comes in response to recent accusations from PETROAN that Dangote Refinery is trying to limit competition within the downstream sector. Concerns were raised after the refinery suggested that marketers were criticizing its pricing due to a preference for importing lower-quality products at cheaper rates. In a statement released on Sunday, Dangote Refinery defended its pricing structure, indicating that it sells petrol at N990 per litre for trucks and N960 per litre for ships, asserting that these prices are consistent with international market standards.
