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Nigerian fuel traders turn to imports to augment Dangote Refinery supply

Nigerian fuel traders are increase gas imports to enhance supply from the Dangote Refinery following getting worse fuel lines, the head of a local traders group said on Thursday.

The Dangote Refinery began processing gas in September, with strategies to supply a preliminary 25 million litres day-to-day and slowly increase output to the 35 million the business believes would please regional need.

Our members have actually been importing petrol for weeks to satisfy the shortfall from the Dangote Refinery, said Clement Isong, CEO of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.

Other traders grouped under the Independent Petroleum Online marketers Association say they plan to begin importing too, pointing out insufficient supply from the $20 billion Dangote Oil Refinery.

In the past just the state-owned NNPC might import because they sold listed below cost, but considering that a cost review last week permitted for market prices, local fuel traders see an opportunity to complete.

Dangote Refinery stated its supplies were in line with its targets. Our day-to-day average is above 25 million, anyone can come and check our records, its head Edwin Devakumar said.

Nigerian petroleum market law empowers processing sector regulator the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to keep an eye on volumes and ensure energy security. It did not immediately react to questions.

On the other hand Kpler information on gas imports into Nigeria show its September imports were 274,000 barrels per day, up from 230,000 bpd in August. In the first 16 days of October, Nigeria has actually already imported 180,000 bpd.

Nevertheless fuel lines have worsened in major Nigerian cities, adding to widespread frustration as Nigerians have to pay more for a product that has actually ended up being harder to purchase.

Some analysts state the queues would have been worse if rates had not put the item out of the reach of numerous automobile owners.

(source: Reuters)