The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has advised the Dangote Refinery to adopt pricing and operational practices that promote fairness, stability, and collaboration in the downstream petroleum sector.

DAPPMAN’s executive secretary, Olufemi Adewole, gave the advice in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it would start the direct supply of petrol to filling stations across Nigeria, starting Monday, September 15.

According to Dangote, the new gantry price has been fixed at N820 per litre, while the retail pump price will vary across states.

Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti are expected to retail petrol at N841 per litre, while Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara will sell at N851 per litre.

Mr Adewole noted that sudden adjustments in product prices could trigger market shocks and stressed the need for consistency to protect investors, importers, and consumers alike.

“While competitive pricing is healthy, unexpected cuts at sensitive times often create uncertainty for marketers who already have products in storage or en route,” he said.

He also encouraged the refinery to maintain uniform and transparent pricing policies that do not leave domestic operators at a disadvantage.

According to him, ensuring parity between local and international buyers will reflect the refinery’s stated commitment to prioritising Nigerian consumers.

On concerns around product quality, Mr Adewole reassured that DAPPMAN members adhere strictly to regulatory standards.

He explained that all imported products are tested by accredited laboratories under the oversight of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

“To strengthen industry confidence, we believe every operator, local or international, should consistently align with approved product specifications,” he added.

The DAPPMAN executive also suggested that the refinery review its product delivery arrangements to give marketers more flexibility and reduce costs.

“Encouraging a variety of logistics options will support efficiency in the supply chain and ultimately ease costs for end-users,” he said.

Mr Adewole called for a collective approach that recognises the role of all stakeholders, including refiners, depot operators, marketers, transporters, and regulators.

He noted that DAPPMAN remains committed to promoting fair competition, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering partnerships that drive growth and investor confidence in the downstream sector.

(NAN)