In a major boost to Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has restarted sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol to major oil marketers and depot owners following approval of a revised distribution framework by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The new structure shifts away from open direct access and introduces stricter eligibility criteria. Only entities with verified storage infrastructure or recognised major marketer status can now lift PMS directly from the refinery’s gantry. This controlled model aims to improve logistics efficiency, maintain product quality standards, and ensure more reliable nationwide distribution.Key approved buyers under the framework include:
- Mobil/11 Plc
- TotalEnergies
- Matrix Energy
- Rainoil
- NIPCO
- Northwest Petroleum
- Ardova Plc
- Bovas
- Pivot Energy
- AA Rano
- AYM Shafa
- NNPC Retail
- MRS Oil
Independent marketers (including most IPMAN members) will source PMS indirectly via these depots and major players rather than lifting directly. The move follows recent regulatory engagements and aligns with NMDPRA’s oversight to stabilise the downstream sector.
Recent NMDPRA data underscores Dangote’s growing dominance: The refinery supplied ~61.78% of Nigeria’s total petrol in January 2026 far surpassing import volumes — with average daily domestic contributions exceeding 40 million litres (and peaks nearing 50 million litres). This has significantly reduced import dependence and strengthened energy security.
Industry watchers expect the revised framework to reduce supply chain bottlenecks, support more consistent availability, and potentially ease pressure on pump prices in the medium term especially as the refinery ramps toward even higher output. Keywords for visibility: Dangote Refinery PMS sales, petrol distribution Nigeria 2026, NMDPRA approved framework, Dangote petrol to marketers, depot owners PMS lifting, Nigeria fuel supply update. This development signals continued progress toward self-sufficiency in refined products.
Watch this space for impacts on ex-depot pricing (currently reported around ₦774–₦877/litre range in recent cycles) and retail pump trends.
