IPMAN Raises Alarm Over NNPCL-Dangote Fuel Price War, Warns Against Marketers Collapse
By Baba Dan’Iya
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed deep concerns over the ongoing fuel price battle between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery, warning that the instability is crippling its members’ businesses and threatening the survival of the downstream sector.
Speaking at a press briefing in Awka on Friday, Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN’s Enugu Depot Community, which oversees Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, lamented that the frequent and unpredictable price fluctuations have created a chaotic business environment for marketers.
The development comes amid unconfirmed reports that Dangote Refinery has slashed depot prices for the third time in 2025, intensifying the price war with NNPCL. Anyaso revealed that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, now sells between N865 and N950 per liter in Awka, following recent reductions.
He explained that the price drops are not driven by global market dynamics but by the fierce competition between the two industry giants. According to Anyaso, marketers often purchase petrol at a particular price, only to discover that the price has dropped before they even leave the depot, resulting in significant losses.
“For instance, a marketer will buy products from any of them, and before leaving the depot, you hear that the price of petrol has dropped by about N10 or N20 per liter. Our members are on the receiving end of this price war, and they are incurring heavy losses,” Anyaso stated.
He further disclosed that the recent price reduction occurred after marketers engaged in discussions with one of the companies. Shortly after, the other company abruptly slashed prices, leaving many marketers in financial distress. “This has thrown most of our members into jeopardy,” he added.
Marketers Struggle to Meet Financial Obligations
Anyaso emphasized that the unpredictable pricing has made it nearly impossible for marketers to meet their financial obligations, including loan repayments and staff salaries. “We can no longer project with certainty. Paying off loans and salaries is becoming difficult because profitability is no longer guaranteed due to the constant price variations,” he said.
He called on the federal government to intervene and stabilize the sector by ensuring that NNPCL focuses on full-scale local production rather than relying on a mix of local refining and importation. “For the masses to enjoy the full benefits of deregulation and fair pricing, the two giants must operate from the same standpoint. NNPCL needs to go into full-scale production to compete effectively and ensure market stability. The current combination of local production and importation cannot guarantee this,” he argued.
Appeal for Settlement of Outstanding Bridge Claims
The IPMAN chairman also urged the government to settle outstanding bridge claims owed to petroleum marketers, warning that many businesses have already shut down while others are struggling to survive. “We appeal to the government to address these issues urgently to protect marketers and save jobs in the sector,” he said.
As the price war between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery continues, IPMAN’s warning highlights the growing challenges faced by downstream operators and the urgent need for government intervention to prevent a collapse of the petroleum marketing sector.
