DAPPMAN Seeks Collaboration With Dangote Refinery to Boost Petrol Supply

Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) yesterday expressed excitement over the launch of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol by Dangote Refinery.
Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, Mr Olufemi Adewole, said members of the association were excited as “The much-awaited petrol from Dangote Refinery is here.”
Mr Adewole said members were looking forward to such a day when they could source the product locally.
“For us, it’s a dream come true as it’s a win-win situation for us all the refinery, the marketers, and, indeed, the general public,” he said.
A member of the association, who preferred anonymity, rejected the insinuation that depot owners and marketers are merely middlemen who contribute little to the value chain of supply and distribution of petroleum products.
He spoke of the unfounded and ridiculous allegation in some quarters that depot owners should sell their depots now that Dangote Refinery has started operating petroleum. He reiterated the stakeholders’ belief that local refineries require the collaboration of all stakeholders to achieve mutual success.
“The petroleum products supply and distribution value chain is a global business that’s not peculiar to Nigeria. How will anyone suggest that because of the advent of locally produced products, depot owners and oil marketers have lost relevance? The first simple question to ask is: can all motorists in Nigeria start driving their vehicles to the refineries to fill their tanks?
“Globally, distribution of refined products is a critical aspect of product supply and distribution value chain. The huge investments on depots, loading bays, trucks, filling stations, etc will continue to be of compelling need in the sector.
“These investors are not just businessmen and women, but patriots who have made sacrifices invested hard-earned monies, and took loans in billions of naira, sometimes at very high interest rates to ensure end users enjoy seamless supply of the products. How can such Nigerian investors then suddenly become an object of ridicule and scorn?”