The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for selling petrol from the Dangote Refinery at a higher price than imported fuel.
This move has left many Nigerians frustrated, as NNPCL began loading its first batch of Dangote-refined petrol on Sunday, claiming it purchased the product at N898 per litre.
However, Dangote Refinery has denied this, calling NNPCL’s claim “misleading and mischievous.”
IPMAN National Welfare Officer, John Kekeocha, voiced his concerns on Channels Television, stating,
“If NNPC can sell Dangote products higher than imported products, then it doesn’t make sense.
What was the celebration all this while?”
This criticism follows NNPCL’s decision to sell the Dangote-refined petrol at N950 per litre in Lagos and N1,019 in Borno, an increase from the N855 price for imported petrol just days prior.
The ongoing situation has raised doubts about the government’s transparency and accountability.
Many believe that the hike in gasoline prices without proper planning only deepens the frustration of Nigerians, who are already grappling with economic hardships.
This has led to calls for NNPCL and other government agencies to amend their policies, work with petroleum officials, and regain the trust of the people by addressing the root causes of these price hikes.