Dan Kunle, a specialist in energy policy, has sharply criticized the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) for opposing recent petrol price reductions introduced by the Dangote Refinery. He went as far as labeling the association “an adversary of the nation” due to its failure to invest in indigenous refining infrastructure.
During an interview on Arise News TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, Kunle highlighted that DAPPMAN and its affiliates have squandered years merely engaging in rhetoric instead of seizing opportunities to raise capital, acquire government-owned refineries, and compete with the Dangote Refinery’s growing influence.
“Following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement to eliminate fuel subsidies and fully deregulate the downstream sector, we anticipated immediate action from DAPPMAN and its members,” Kunle stated. “They should have mobilized fresh investments either alongside Dangote or independently. Unfortunately, they remained inactive.”
He portrayed the Dangote Refinery as a transformative beacon for Nigeria’s oil industry.
“It’s as if a new day has dawned, dispelling the long night of darkness. The Dangote Refinery is that light breaking through, illuminating the path forward. There’s no longer any room for concealment,” Kunle emphasized.
Kunle accused petroleum importers of placing profits above the country’s welfare, asserting that Nigerians would naturally support Dangote’s initiative.
“In this clash of giants, the real contenders are the importers who aim to flood the market with foreign products. Dangote, on the other hand, is offering genuine benefits to Nigerians, while DAPPMAN seems to be presenting harmful alternatives. It’s clear why the public would rally behind Dangote,” he explained.
He further noted that the refinery’s capacity allows it to export products competitively on the global stage. “If Dangote exports while others continue importing, they are essentially importing inflation. This spells the end of the road for local importers,” Kunle asserted.
Additionally, Kunle warned that DAPPMAN’s antagonistic stance could deter emerging investors like BUA from entering the refining sector. “Persistent opposition not only distracts Dangote but also intimidates potential investors, reinforcing Dangote’s monopoly. Since DAPPMAN members are not investing themselves, they have become a liability to national progress. This is where security agencies must intervene,” he added.
These remarks come amid escalating tensions between DAPPMAN and the Dangote Refinery.
Recently, Dangote Refinery announced a reduction in petrol prices effective Monday, lowering costs from N865 to N841 in Lagos and the South-West, and to N851 in Abuja, Edo, and Kwara. The refinery also launched a direct fuel distribution program targeting retailers.
However, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, dismissed the price cut as a strategic market manipulation. He argued that Dangote’s self-styled “patriotism” was misleading, noting that the refinery only reduced prices when other importers had shipments en route, causing financial losses and strain on competitors.
Moreover, DAPPMAN accused the refinery of charging higher prices to local buyers while offering lower rates to international clients, contradicting its claims of prioritizing Nigerian consumers.
In rebuttal, the Dangote Group labeled DAPPMAN’s accusations as “false and misleading,” emphasizing that its operations have made Nigeria the primary supplier of affordable petrol feedstock across West Africa. The refinery also accused some marketers of engaging in round-tripping-purchasing petrol locally, exporting it through Togo, and then re-importing it at inflated prices.
“It’s clear that DAPPMAN and certain members remain heavily reliant on importation. This raises questions about the logic behind such practices, especially considering the billions wasted transporting fuel from Lomé back to Lagos,” the group stated.
Dangote Refinery further highlighted that its domestic partners benefit from discounts, credit facilities, and logistical support, ensuring that fuel remains more affordable within Nigeria.
