Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has begun selling petrol directly to oil marketers, bypassing the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
The move follows a government decision to allow marketers to purchase petrol directly from local refineries.
Nigeria’s largest refinery, located in Lekki, has started supplying petrol to some oil marketers on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis.
Four vessels carrying imported petrol are expected to arrive in Nigeria within two weeks, adding to the 123.4 million litres already berthed at seaports.
Industry analysts see this move as a step towards deregulation and improved market efficiency.
“The direct sales will promote competition and improve market efficiency,” said an industry expert.
The Dangote Refinery began petrol production in September, with the NNPC initially announced as the sole off-taker.
However, the government has now terminated that agreement, allowing marketers to purchase petrol directly from the refinery.
No official price has been announced, but industry stakeholders expect market forces to determine prices.
The development is expected to ease fuel scarcity in Nigeria
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