Dangote: Import Allegations False, Euro-Standard Fuel Guaranteed

By Love Oyedokun

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has issued a strong denial of recent reports suggesting that it is importing finished petroleum products into Nigeria. The company has labeled these claims as “incorrect and misleading,” asserting that they stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of the complex processes involved in modern, large-scale refinery operations.

Cablenews24 reports that in a detailed statement, DPRP emphasized its unwavering commitment to delivering Euro-standard, high-quality fuels to the Nigerian market, effectively ending the nation’s reliance on substandard imports. The refinery maintains that its operations adhere to the highest international standards, ensuring that its products meet stringent environmental and health benchmarks.

During a media briefing held at the refinery complex, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, David Bird, addressed the allegations directly. He explained that the Dangote Refinery operates as a state-of-the-art merchant refinery, processing both crude oil and intermediate feedstocks to produce a range of premium petroleum products and petrochemicals.

Bird clarified that the use of intermediate or semi-processed materials is a standard and widely accepted practice within the global refining industry. He stressed that this process should not be misconstrued as importing finished petroleum products. Instead, it is an integral part of the refining process, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in producing a diverse range of high-quality fuels.

“It is crucial to understand that processing intermediate materials is a common practice in refineries worldwide,” Bird stated. “This allows us to optimize our production processes and ensure that we are delivering the highest quality fuels to the Nigerian market. To suggest that this constitutes importing finished products is simply inaccurate and demonstrates a lack of understanding of how modern refineries operate.”

Bird further elaborated on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s operational model, highlighting its alignment with European and Asian merchant refinery practices. This model incorporates advanced refining, blending, and trading systems designed to meet the most demanding quality and environmental standards.

“Our refinery is designed to produce fuels that meet or exceed international environmental and health standards,” Bird emphasized. “Our gasoline is lead-free and MMT-free, with a sulphur content of just 50 parts per million. Our diesel also meets ultra-low sulphur specifications. These standards are crucial for reducing emissions, protecting engines, and safeguarding public health.”

To further dispel any misconceptions, Bird reaffirmed that the Dangote Refinery exclusively supplies fully refined, market-ready products to consumers. He emphasized that semi-finished fuels are unsuitable for use in vehicles and are therefore never released into the Nigerian market. During the briefing, journalists were shown samples of both intermediate feedstocks and fully refined products to illustrate the clear distinction between the two.

Bird also highlighted the refinery’s broader mission to transform Nigeria from a dumping ground for substandard fuels into a regional hub for high-quality petroleum products. He noted that Dangote Refinery’s products are now being exported to international markets, a testament to their superior quality and competitiveness.

To provide further clarity, Bird explained the role of intermediate materials in the refining process. These materials, which include naphtha, straight-run gas oil, vacuum gas oil (VGO), reformate, alkylate, and isomerate, serve as feedstock for additional refining into finished fuels such as petrol and diesel, as well as various petrochemical products.

Bird reiterated the refinery’s commitment to transparency in its operations and its willingness to engage with regulators and the media to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public. He urged the media to play a responsible role in educating the public about the clear distinction between intermediate products and finished fuels.

“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,” Bird said. “We urge the media to be vigilant and to ensure that their reporting is accurate and based on a thorough understanding of the facts.”

Bird also emphasized the refinery’s flexible design, which allows it to process a diverse mix of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks into premium finished fuels. This flexibility ensures that the refinery can adapt to changing market conditions and continue to meet the evolving needs of the Nigerian economy.

In closing, Bird assured Nigerians of sustained product availability, noting that the refinery has already made a significant contribution to easing fuel scarcity, stabilizing the naira, and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.

Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, echoed Bird’s sentiments, urging journalists to exercise precision in their use of terminology and to avoid inaccurate reporting that could misinform the public and create unnecessary panic. He emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in ensuring that the public has access to accurate and reliable information about the Dangote Refinery and its operations.

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