By John Moses
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Rivers State Chapter, has welcomed plans by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to directly distribute Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across the country—a move it believes could transform the downstream oil sector.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, IPMAN Chairman Mr Tekena Ikpaki described the strategy as a timely intervention that could significantly reduce fuel distribution challenges, including erratic supply, inflated transport costs, and fluctuating market prices.
According to Dangote Refinery, the new distribution model will kick off on 15 August, utilising 4,000 brand-new, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to deliver fuel nationwide. The shift aims to eliminate logistical hurdles, improve efficiency, and bolster Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
“This approach offers a viable solution to the inefficiencies that have long plagued petroleum distribution in Nigeria,” Ikpaki said. “The introduction of a multi-source supply model will not only stabilise prices but also ensure a fairer playing field for marketers of all sizes.”
Ikpaki stressed the importance of sustained regulatory oversight, which he said would prevent monopolies and allow smaller marketers to remain competitive under the new system.
Industry veteran Mr Chijioke Odimbu, a retired Shell executive, praised the innovation but cautioned that it would only succeed if the refinery could maintain adequate PMS production levels.
“Having the trucks is one thing. But if the fuel isn’t available in sufficient quantities, then the impact will be minimal,” Odimbu warned.
From the grassroots, local citizens shared optimism about the anticipated programme. Charles Ndudi, a commercial bus driver in Port Harcourt, said the initiative could bring down fuel costs, which would in turn lower transport fares and improve the standard of living.
Mrs Imelda James, a market trader, echoed similar sentiments: “Cheaper fuel means reduced costs for transporting food items. That can only be good news for traders and consumers alike.”
