Petroleum Marketers Ditch NNPCL for Cheaper Deals Amid Price War

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has confirmed that its members are severing ties with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) franchise in pursuit of more affordable fuel deals.

This development follows an ongoing price war between the state-run oil giant and Dangote Refinery. IPMAN spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike disclosed the trend on Tuesday, highlighting that many marketers are rebranding their stations to align with more profitable suppliers.

An investigation revealed that several filling stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, including those around Wawa and Ibafo, have removed the NNPCL branding. This shift comes in response to Dangote Refinery’s recent price cut, slashing its ex-depot premium motor spirit (PMS) price from ₦950 to ₦850 per litre—a move that has intensified competition in the downstream sector.

Industry sources indicate that marketers are abandoning their NNPCL licences due to Dangote Refinery’s competitive pricing. Providing insight into the shift, Ukadike explained that the state-owned firm is no longer the sole fuel importer, prompting marketers to seek partnerships that guarantee higher returns on investment.

“Some marketers are rebranding and changing names. Previously, NNPCL was the exclusive importer and distributor of petrol, so many marketers offered their stations as franchises to secure product supply. But now, the landscape has changed. You’ll even find some marketers switching to MRS, as it currently offers the lowest prices,” he stated.

Meanwhile, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the development.

Report  further indicates that the launch of Dangote Refinery, alongside the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, is significantly reshaping Nigeria’s oil market dynamics.