Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dared the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to go Court over its comments against the association on product pricing and attack on the refinery while also alleging that the oil marketers demanded an annual subsidy of N1.505 trillion to enable them match the refinery’s gantry prices at their own depots.
The refinery, while disclosing that although it offers petroleum products to marketers at its gantry price, alleged that DAPPMAN insists on taking delivery via coastal logistics, an option that would add N75 per litre in extra costs.
Based on daily consumption volumes of 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 15 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dangote Refinery explained that this amounts to an additional annual cost of N1.505 trillion (N1,505,625,000,000), which marketers effectively asked the refinery to absorb or pass on to Nigerians.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that DAPPMAN, had earlier dismissed a statement credited to Dangote accusing the association of sponsoring a planned strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) while it also pushed back against Dangote’s assertions on fuel pricing.
The association, which members include Matrix, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, and NIPCO among others, gave Dangote a seven-day ultimatum to either provide proof or retract the claim, warning of possible legal action if ignored.
But Dangote Refinery, in a statement made available to newsmen, however, affirmed its resolve not to grant the alleged supply demands, daring the DAPPMAN to a legal battle.
“Specifically, the marketers are demanding that we discount N70/litre in coastal freight, NIMASA, NPA and other associated costs as well as N5/litre for the cost of pumping into vessels to enable them to transport products from our refinery to their depots in Apapa and sell at the same price as our gantry.
“We wish to make it clear that we have no intention of increasing our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over N1.5 trillion, a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government for many years. DAPPMAN and other marketers are welcome to lift products directly from our gantry and benefit from our logistics-free initiative.
The refinery alleged that its refusal to comply with DAPPMAN’s subsidy request is the core reason behind recent public criticisms and attacks. It reiterated that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand and support export as it consistently maintains a closing stock of 500 million litres of refined products in its tanks each month.
“Between June and September, the refinery exported a combined total of 3,229,881 metric tonnes of PMS, AGO, and aviation fuel, while marketers imported 3,687,828 metric tonnes over the same period, an action that amounts to dumping which is detrimental to the Nigerian economy and the well-being of its citizens,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment to supporting the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the refinery stated that through various strategic interventions, it has helped stabilise the Naira, cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, position Nigeria as a refining hub, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
“We enjoy strong working relationships with government agencies and remain committed to supporting their efforts, while not hesitating to hold institutions accountable where necessary.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains firmly committed to the progress and wellbeing of Nigeria, and is open to partnerships with patriotic and responsible stakeholders in pursuit of national development,” it noted.
The Refinery also reaffirmed its position regarding its recent statement on the DAPPMAN, which was published on Monday, 15 September, in several national dailies and reputable online platforms.
The refinery stressed that any party aggrieved by the content of the publication is free to seek redress through appropriate legal channels. It noted that it would not be swayed by threats or so-called seven-day ultimatums and is fully prepared to defend its position through all legitimate means.
TribuneOnline
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