Dangote refinery identifies those claiming it imports petrol, threatens legal action

Dangote refinery identifies those claiming it imports petrol, threatens legal action

  • Dangote refinery has announcd plans to individuals who claim it imports petrol
  • The refinery managment is not happy about the claims and have threathen legal actions
  • The company said it only imports intermediate feedstocks used in refining, not finished petroluem products

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has extensive experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has said it has identified individuals behind claims that it imports petrol into Nigeria, describing the allegations as misleading and deliberately propagated to undermine the country’s refining ambitions.

In a statement issued on Monday, the refinery said it would disclose the identities and motives of those responsible “at the appropriate time” and pursue legal action against them.

Dangote refinery says Nigeria is better off with local fuel production.
Dangote refinery speaks on claims it imports petrol into Nigeria. Photo: Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images

Part of the statement reads:

“This propaganda is being promoted by unpatriotic and unscrupulous individuals who cannot afford to see Nigeria stop imports."

The company accusing them of benefiting from past “fraudulent financing transactions” linked to the repair of state-owned refineries.

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The refinery said the latest reports, attributed to an international intelligence firm and amplified through newspaper advertisements, falsely suggested that it imports finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

On February 4, the refinery’s chief executive officer, David Bird, clarified that the facility does not import petroleum products but only intermediate feedstocks used in refining.

Dangote clarifies importation

According to the company, Dangote refinery imports only intermediate streams and blending components, such as high-sulphur reformates and low-RON condensates, which require further processing before meeting market specifications.

It added:

“These materials are not petrol and cannot be sold as such without additional refining,” the statement said, adding that the practice is standard among large refineries in Europe and Asia.
The refinery said the only petrol it supplies to the Nigerian market is Euro 5–compliant PMS, which undergoes quality testing before distribution."
Dangote refinery accuses critics of benefiting from fuel imports.
Dangote refinery says its operations have reduced reliance on high-sulphur fuel imports. Photo: Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images

The refinery said the matter was also addressed at an S&P Global forum in the United Kingdom, where participants acknowledged its role in reshaping Nigeria’s refining capacity.

Dangote refinery added the only petrol it supplies to the Nigerian market is Euro 5–compliant PMS, which undergoes quality testing before distribution.

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Trouble for Dangote Refinery as FG moves to restart petrol, diesel imports, unveils date to begin

It added that since commencing operations, the refinery has improved fuel quality in Nigeria and reduced reliance on high-sulphur petrol imports.

The company urged industry stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy and responsibility in public reporting on refining operations.

Dangote targets exports of key product

Legit.ng earlier reported that Dangote Packaging Limited (DPL) has unveiled plans to increase its export of polypropylene into the African market due to an increased production capacity facilitated by new machinery commissioned in the two manufacturing facilities.

The company’s board chairman, Robert Ade-Odiachi, disclosed the plan at a recent strategic board meeting, noting that monthly output will rise from 36 million to 56 million polypropylene bags, with further increases expected in the coming years.

The chairman stressed that world-class standards would back the company’s entry into export markets.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.