Fresh shipments of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), butane and aviation fuel have arrived at major petroleum depots in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt between July 13 and July 17. Fuel marketers are intensifying efforts to replenish inventories despite mounting import costs.
Major Operators Receive New Cargoes
According to the latest tanker position report monitored by Petroleumprice.ng, several downstream operators including Nipco, Ardova, NLNG, PPMC, AYM Shafa, Matrix Energy, Prudent Energy and Pivot Energy are receiving fresh cargoes to sustain supply across the country.
Rising Freight Costs Increase Pressure on Importers
The scheduled deliveries come as importers grapple with a sharp increase in global shipping costs following disruptions to key trade routes in the Middle East. Industry data indicates that freight rates have climbed by about 25%, significantly raising the cost of importing refined petroleum products. The higher logistics expenses have added to the financial burden on marketers, many of whom are already facing stiff competition from the pricing strategy of the Dangote Refinery.
Dangote Loading Disruption Influences Depot Prices
The inflow of new cargoes coincides with market reactions to the Dangote Refinery's temporary suspension of product loading earlier in the week. This development contributed to an increase in ex-depot petrol prices at several privately owned depots, with rates climbing to around ₦1,200 per litre. Although the refinery has played a key role in easing domestic fuel prices in recent months, marketers say higher import and replacement costs are increasingly influencing pricing decisions.
Industry observers note that the steady arrival of petroleum products at strategic depots should help maintain adequate fuel availability in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt, even as operators continue to monitor global crude oil prices, freight charges and developments affecting regional shipping routes.
