Fuel fight before Dangote’s big IPO

NNPC and Dangote clash in court over fuel import licences. Dangote wants limits; NNPC warns of shortages and monopoly risks.

A legal fight between NNPC Ltd and the Dangote Refinery has worsened. Dangote wants to limit fuel import licences to other marketers, claiming that imports hurt local refining and the Petroleum Industry Act. But NNPC told the Federal High Court in Lagos that restricting imports could weaken competition, cause fuel shortages, distort prices and threaten energy security. It also said the refinery has not proved it can meet national demand. Fuel marketers also worried about monopoly risks. The case comes before Dangote’s planned IPO. It shows wider tensions over regulation and competition in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.