The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has commended Dangote Petroleum Refinery's free petrol delivery initiative, stating it could ease operational pressures, improve cash flow, and help drive down pump prices across Nigeria.
Marketers Hail Faster, Cheaper Distribution
The commendation followed the refinery's expansion of its free petroleum product delivery programme to Imo, Anambra, and other states. The initiative is aimed at bringing petrol closer to retailers while reducing the transportation burden on marketers.
According to IPMAN, the arrangement could significantly reduce the financial strain associated with sourcing and transporting petroleum products. IPMAN National Publicity Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Chinedu Ukadike, said the initiative would make products more accessible to consumers while helping independent marketers avoid delays that often tie down their working capital.
He explained that marketers sometimes pay for petroleum products upfront but have to wait several days or even weeks before their orders are loaded. Such delays, he said, leave funds locked up and create additional financial pressure for businesses.
“This gesture, if sustained, will be able to alleviate the sufferings of independent marketers,” Ukadike said.
He added that Dangote Refinery's approach had made product distribution easier and faster, allowing marketers to recover their investments more quickly.
Free Delivery Could Ease Pump Price Pressure
Ukadike also pointed to potential benefits for consumers, saying lower transportation and logistics costs could translate into cheaper petrol at filling stations. He said the reduction in long-distance haulage would also minimise some of the risks associated with transporting petroleum products across the country.
“You also have less risk, and you have petroleum products at your doorstep,” he said, adding that lower refinery prices could encourage independent marketers to reduce their own pump prices.
The development comes as motorists continue to monitor petrol prices amid fluctuations in the downstream petroleum market. For independent marketers, reducing the amount of money spent on logistics could provide additional room to compete on retail prices while maintaining their businesses.
IPMAN Wants Northern States Included
Despite applauding the initiative, IPMAN urged Dangote Refinery to expand the free delivery scheme to more parts of the country, particularly northern states. Ukadike said wider coverage would help promote greater uniformity in petrol prices and reduce the disparities created by transportation costs between different regions.
“We are also appealing to them to extend it further to other states, especially those in the northern areas, so that petroleum products will be bought uniformly,” he said.
He described the development as one of the benefits of deregulation and increased competition in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector.
“This is the beauty of deregulation and competition,” Ukadike said.
Dangote Refinery has continued to expand its distribution network as part of efforts to make petroleum products more readily available across Nigeria.
Full List of States Getting Dangote's Free Fuel Supply
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expanded its free petrol delivery programme to 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, offering fuel marketers cheaper access to locally refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The latest expansion comes after the refinery reduced its petrol ex-depot price to ₦1,165 per litre, down from ₦1,215, as part of efforts to make petroleum products more affordable and strengthen distribution across Nigeria. The ₦50 reduction took effect on August 6, 2026.
For marketers, broader implementation of the free delivery model could provide further relief, while consumers could ultimately benefit from lower and more stable pump prices.
