Dangote Refinery Counters Claims of Importing Finished Fuel Products

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP) has rejected circulating claims suggesting that it brings in finished petrol and diesel from abroad, insisting that such reports are based on a poor understanding of how large-scale refineries function worldwide.

The clarification was made during a media tour of the refinery, where company executives explained that the facility operates in line with globally accepted refinery standards and practices used by major merchant refineries across Europe and Asia.

Refinery Explains Its Operating Model

Speaking at the briefing, the refinery’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, David Bird, stated that DPRP refines crude oil and further processes intermediate feedstocks into high-grade petroleum products and petrochemicals that meet strict international specifications.

He explained that the use of semi-processed materials is common across the global refining industry and should not be confused with importing finished fuel products.

According to Bird, “As a modern, large-scale merchant refinery, DPRP refines crude oil and processes intermediate feedstocks into premium petroleum products and petrochemicals that comply with the highest international standards.”

Compliance With Global Environmental Standards

Bird further noted that the refinery follows a hybrid European and Asian merchant refinery framework, incorporating advanced refining, blending, and trading technologies designed to meet modern environmental and quality requirements.

He emphasised that fuels produced at the facility align with global health and environmental benchmarks.

“Our gasoline is lead-free and MMT-free with sulphur content capped at 50 parts per million, while our diesel meets ultra-low sulphur standards. These measures significantly reduce emissions, protect vehicle engines, and promote public health,” he said.

Only Finished, Market-Ready Fuels Released

Addressing concerns about product quality, Bird stressed that only fully refined and market-ready fuels are supplied to consumers, adding that semi-finished products are unsuitable for vehicle use and are never released into the Nigerian market.

He disclosed that journalists at the briefing were shown samples of both intermediate feedstocks and finished products to clearly demonstrate the difference.

The CEO added that the refinery was established to end Nigeria’s long-standing exposure to substandard fuel imports by supplying products that meet internationally recognised benchmarks.

Products Competitive on the Global Market

Bird revealed that DPRP’s refined products are already being exported to international destinations, reflecting their quality and competitiveness in the global energy market.

He explained that materials such as naphtha, straight-run gas oil, vacuum gas oil, reformate, alkylate, and isomerate are intermediate feedstocks that undergo further processing to produce petrol, diesel, and petrochemical products.

Reaffirming the refinery’s commitment to transparency, Bird urged media professionals to help educate the public on the distinction between intermediate materials and finished fuels.

“It is regrettable that misleading narratives are being deliberately spread about a facility that has helped reposition Nigeria and West Africa from a dumping ground for substandard fuels to a centre for high-quality petroleum products,” he said.

Boosting Supply and Economic Stability

Bird also highlighted the refinery’s flexible design, which allows it to process various crude oil grades and feedstocks into premium fuels, assuring Nigerians of consistent product availability.

He noted that the refinery has played a role in easing fuel scarcity, supporting naira stability, and reducing pressure on foreign exchange demand.

Call for Responsible Reporting

Also speaking at the event, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, appealed to journalists to report accurately on refinery operations.

He warned that the misuse of technical terms could mislead the public and cause unnecessary concern, stressing the importance of responsible and precise coverage of the petroleum sector.