Dangote denies importing petrol, diesel

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has refuted reports suggesting it imports finished petroleum products, describing such claims as inaccurate and stemming from a misunderstanding of global refinery practices.

The refinery, a large-scale, state-of-the-art merchant facility, processes crude oil and converts intermediate feedstocks into premium petroleum products and petrochemicals that comply with international standards.

At a media briefing on site, DPRP’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, David Bird, explained that handling intermediate or semi-processed materials is a normal practice in the global refining sector and does not imply the importation of finished fuels.

Bird emphasised that the Dangote Refinery follows a European and Asian merchant refinery model, integrating advanced refining, blending, and trading systems designed to meet contemporary quality and environmental requirements.

“DPRP produces high quality fuels aligned with international environmental and health standards. Our gasoline is lead-free and MMT-free with 50 parts per million sulphur, while our diesel meets ultra-low sulphur specifications. These standards help reduce emissions, protect engines, and safeguard public health,” Bird said.

He reiterated that the refinery delivers only fully refined, market-ready products, noting that semi-finished fuels are unsuitable for vehicles and are never released into the Nigerian market. Journalists at the briefing were shown samples of both intermediate feedstocks and fully refined fuels.

Bird added that DPRP was established to eliminate Nigeria’s reliance on substandard fuels by providing products that meet stringent global benchmarks. He also highlighted that the refinery now exports products internationally, showcasing their quality and competitiveness.

Intermediate materials, including naphtha, straight-run gas oil, vacuum gas oil (VGO), reformate, alkylate, and isomerate, serve as feedstock for further refining into finished fuels such as petrol and diesel, as well as petrochemicals.

“The refinery’s commitment to transparency is unwavering. We urge the media to educate the public on the distinction between intermediate products and finished fuels,” Bird said.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals are deliberately spreading misleading narratives about a refinery that has transformed Nigeria and the West African region from a dumping ground for substandard fuels into a hub for high-quality products,” he added.

Bird also noted the facility’s flexibility in processing a wide variety of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks into premium fuels. He assured Nigerians of stable product availability and highlighted DPRP’s role in easing fuel scarcity, stabilising the naira, and reducing foreign exchange pressures.

Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, urged journalists to use precise language, warning that inaccurate reporting could mislead the public and generate unnecessary panic.