IDNN Energy Desk
Oil marketers have pushed back against Femi Otedola’s advice that depot owners restructure or risk irrelevance in the face of Dangote refinery’s dominance.
Billy Gillis-Harry, president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), described Otedola’s comments as “insensitive,” arguing depot owners had invested billions in infrastructure across Nigeria.
Dangote vs Depot Owners
Dangote Refinery, commissioned in 2023, has rolled out 4,000 CNG-powered trucks to deliver fuel directly to stations. Otedola insists depots are outdated, but PETROAN leaders say they remain vital for storage and last-mile supply.
Future of Nigeria’s Downstream Oil Sector
Marketers warn excluding depot owners risks creating bottlenecks in fuel distribution, especially to rural areas. They call for inclusive distribution agreements to balance efficiency with nationwide access.
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