Marketers May Access Petroleum Products From Port Harcourt Refinery This Week

Optimism Among IPMAN Members
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed confidence that its members will begin loading petroleum products from the Port Harcourt refinery this week. The refinery, which is owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, has resumed operations, processing 60,000 barrels per day at 70% capacity.

Current Refinery Supply Chain
Chief Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, stated in an interview that the refinery is currently supplying products to NNPC retail outlets and a few selected marketers. However, an increase in supply is expected to allow independent marketers broader access to the facility.

Additionally, independent marketers have begun sourcing products from the Dangote Refinery following a strategic agreement with its management. This deal includes the reduction of the minimum bulk purchase requirement to two million litres of petrol, enabling more marketers to participate.

Market Competition on the Rise
The ability of independent marketers to load directly from local refineries has intensified competition in the market. Ukadike noted that this development has streamlined petroleum product distribution and eliminated long queues at filling stations, although slight price variations remain due to market deregulation.

“With the Port Harcourt refinery now operational and handling significant production, there is less reliance on Dangote Refinery products, reducing market strain,” Ukadike explained.

Expected Market Impact
The expected increase in supply from the Port Harcourt refinery is anticipated to further stabilize prices and boost market accessibility. Ukadike also highlighted that the recent reduction in the exchange rate of the Naira to the dollar could lead to lower pump prices in the coming weeks.

“This marks the beginning of healthy competition among marketers, which ultimately benefits consumers,” he added.

Key Takeaways:

IPMAN members are optimistic about accessing petroleum products from the Port Harcourt refinery this week.
The Dangote Refinery has reduced bulk purchase requirements, fostering greater participation by independent marketers.
Competition in the petroleum market has improved, leading to better distribution and stable pricing.
Pump prices may decrease soon due to currency rate adjustments.

This streamlined supply chain highlights Nigeria’s progress in petroleum product distribution, promising a more competitive and consumer-friendly market.