The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the Federal Government to intervene in the operations of the Dangote Refinery to help bring down petrol prices across the country.

IPMAN National President, Abubakar Maigandi, made the call in an interview held Tuesday, amid a sharp increase in retail petrol prices in Abuja and surrounding areas.

Petrol was selling for between N1,310 and N1,345 per litre following increases in the gantry and ex-depot prices set by the Dangote Refinery and depot owners.

Maigandi called on the Federal Government to broker an agreement with the refinery and other local refiners as part of efforts to reduce the cost of petrol at filling stations.

“We are appealing to the Federal Government to broker a deal with Dangote Refinery to reduce fuel prices,” Maigandi said.

He said government intervention in the downstream petroleum sector should not be viewed as a return to fuel subsidy, arguing that authorities should step in when consumers face significant economic pressure.

“The government should intervene with Nigerian refiners, and this will lead to a reduction in fuel prices. It is different from fuel subsidy. In a situation where there is difficulty, the government should step in,” he said.