Dangote Refinery has clarified reports alleging that it imports finished Premium Motor Spirit, PMS into Nigeria, describing the claims as misleading and a misrepresentation of its operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, Dangote Petroleum Refinery faulted recent publications attributed to S&P Global and amplified through newspaper advertisements, which suggested that the refinery brings finished petrol into the country. The company said the reports present a distorted picture of Nigeria’s refining landscape and its role in the domestic fuel supply chain.
According to the refinery, the issue was addressed during an S&P Global forum held in the United Kingdom, where clarifications were provided on its operations. The company stated that following the engagement, the forum acknowledged the refinery’s significance in reshaping global refining dynamics.
Dangote Refinery stressed that it does not import finished PMS, commonly referred to as petrol or gasoline, into Nigeria. Instead, it explained that it only imports feedstocks and blending components used to optimise the performance of its secondary processing units.
The refinery noted that such materials, which include high sulphur reformates, low-RON condensates and high sulphur cracked gasoline, are intermediate products that require further processing before they can meet regulated fuel specifications. It added that classifying these materials as finished fuel is technically incorrect.
“This refinery does not import finished PMS into Nigeria. What we import are feedstocks and blending components that must undergo additional processing to meet market specifications. This is a standard global practice among merchant refineries,” the company stated.
Dangote Refinery further explained that refineries across Europe and Asia routinely adopt similar strategies to optimise crude slates, improve operational flexibility and enhance margins. It warned that misrepresenting intermediate streams as finished fuel undermines public understanding and confidence in Nigeria’s domestic refining progress.
The company also alleged that the misleading narrative was being driven by individuals opposed to Nigeria’s transition away from fuel imports. According to the statement, such actors have vested interests in sustaining import dependence and will be held accountable.
Dangote Refinery disclosed that it has identified those behind the reports and would reveal their identities and motives at the appropriate time, adding that legal action would be pursued.
For clarity, the refinery reiterated that the only PMS supplied to the Nigerian market from its operations is Euro 5–compliant fuel. It said every batch undergoes strict quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with international standards.
Since commencing operations, the refinery said it has significantly improved the quality of petroleum products available in Nigeria and helped end the country’s reliance on low-grade, high-sulphur fuel imports historically associated with the West African market.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on S&P Global and other industry stakeholders to exercise greater technical accuracy and responsibility in their reporting, noting that such reports influence global perceptions of Nigeria’s energy sector.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting economic transformation through world-class refining operations.
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