The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has issued a statement denying allegations that its members or private fuel depots have imported fuel outside the approved regulatory specifications set by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
In their statement released on Monday night in Lagos, DAPPMAN clarified that none of their depots had imported fuel that did not meet regulatory standards. They emphasized that all fuel imports adhere strictly to the specifications approved by NMDPRA.
The association also addressed recent regulatory changes regarding the sulphur content in automotive gas oil (AGO). They mentioned that initially, there were objections to certain off-takes via ship-to-ship operations offshore Lome, which had been protested by downstream operators and subsequently rescinded.
Furthermore, DAPPMAN noted that while NMDPRA had initially allowed AGO imports with a maximum sulphur content of 200 parts per million (ppm) between February and May 2024, there was a subsequent regulatory move to accelerate the implementation of stricter sulphur limitations (50 ppm) for both Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and AGO imports, effective from June 1, 2024, instead of the previous deadline of December 31, 2024.
In conclusion, DAPPMAN affirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the supply of safe and competitively priced fuels that meet regulatory standards, thereby providing Nigerians with reliable fuel options for their daily needs.