The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), may have soft pedalled in its confrontation with Dangote Refinery. On Wednesday, the group finally sought collaboration with the Dangote Refinery.
Recall that DAPPMAN and Dangote Refinery management had been at loggerheads over the operations of the facility, ranging from price to distribution.
But speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ programme on Wednesday, DAPPMAN spokesman, Nkem Ohia, said, referring to Dangote Refinery, “You have wholesale, which we are angling for.
‘’That is for us to be able to pick products in bulk with vessels with a minimum capacity of 30,000 metric tons or more and sales at ex-gantry, which is like retailing.
“Ideally, most refineries lay more emphasis on ensuring that the bulk evacuates, whatever it is, through off takers who are able to lift massive quantities to be able to make sure the refinery is in a position to quickly go into production, replenish stocks as it brings in crude, it refines.
“The idea is to make sure it evacuates within a reasonable period of time, not be able to keep stock. That is not his own business model, but I’m not too sure that’s the best for him. But I can’t dictate.”
The DAPPMAN spokesperson denied being “in conflict” with the refinery, stressing the association was rather interested in collaborating with the plant.
“Even before he commenced production, we reached out to him to allow us collaborate with him and be able to take products in bulk. It has been one of back and forth. Understanding has not been firmly reached.
“Instead, he prefers to work with a few select partners, which has excluded DAPPMAN. It has one or two members of DAPPMAN,’’ he said.
