Dangote Refutes Petrol Import Claims, Blames Economic Saboteurs for Misleading Reports

Dangote Refinery has firmly rejected claims that it imports finished petrol into Nigeria, describing the narrative as false and driven by economic saboteurs. The company confirmed that it only brings in intermediate feedstocks, which undergo further processing before being sold as finished fuel. CEO David Bird made the clarification on February 4, emphasizing the refinery’s commitment to supplying high-quality domestic petrol.

In a statement released on Monday, the refinery said it plans to reveal the identities and motives of those spreading the misinformation at the appropriate time. The statement accused certain individuals of promoting the narrative to protect their own interests, particularly those who previously benefited from questionable financing practices at NNPC refineries. “These individuals will soon have their day in court,” the company warned.

The clarification followed reports by an international intelligence firm that misrepresented the refinery’s operations and the wider Nigerian refining landscape. Dangote Refinery highlighted that only intermediate streams — including high-sulphur reformates and cracked gasoline — are imported, a standard practice in advanced refineries worldwide. These feedstocks are further processed to meet Nigeria’s regulated fuel standards.

The refinery also noted that its products are Euro 5–compliant and undergo strict quality checks before entering the Nigerian market. Since commencing operations, Dangote Refinery has significantly raised fuel standards, reducing the country’s reliance on low-grade, high-sulphur petrol previously imported into West Africa. The company reiterated that it plays a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s domestic refining industry.

Concluding its statement, Dangote Refinery urged industry stakeholders and the media to prioritize accuracy and responsibility in public reporting. Misrepresenting feedstocks as finished petrol, the company warned, distorts public understanding and undermines confidence in Nigeria’s refining progress, at a time when domestic energy security is increasingly vital.

source: The Witness