Dangote’s Distribution Strategy Could Harm The Industry, As More Than 10,000 Retail Outlets Rely On Open Market- PETROAN Warns

PETROAN: The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has cautioned Dangote on his distribution measure while noting that more than 10,000 authorized retail outlets rely on accessing fuel from the open market.

Speaking with journalists Monday, PETROAN hinted that the union is being sidelined already in the activities bedevilling the supply of fuel products across Nigeria.

However, it is a known fact that Dangote Refinery gets ready to expand its fuel distribution across the nation, therefore, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has added its voice to the increasing number of industry stakeholders cautioning about the risks associated with a market dominated by a single player.

Speaking on behalf of independent station owners nationwide, PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry cautioned that numerous members are already experiencing pressure as 9News Nigeria reports.

He said, “We’re not against Dangote’s success. But no single company should control refining, supply, distribution, and retail all at once.

“It’s a monopoly in the making, and it puts thousands of independent operators at risk.”

PETROAN cautions that more than 10,000 authorized retail outlets rely on accessing fuel from the open market. This system risks falling apart if Dangote assumes complete control as the exclusive gatekeeper.

PETROAN and other stakeholders are now calling for:

• Open access to loading depots and marine terminals.
• Enforcement of anti-monopoly laws under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)
• Fair pricing structures that allow independent marketers to compete
• Support for third-party logistics, not just refinery-owned transport fleets.

They claim that these measures will safeguard the diversity of Nigeria’s fuel supply and prevent replacing a flawed subsidy system with a monopoly controlled by the private sector.

“This isn’t about envy, It’s about making sure the downstream sector remains inclusive, competitive, and sustainable for everyone, not just the biggest,” Gillis-Harry added.

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