The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding a new depot operated by an unnamed international trading company, which is reportedly engaged in blending substandard petroleum products in Nigeria. The depot, situated next to the refinery, is accused of intending to introduce these low-quality products into the market, potentially endangering public safety and undermining the local refining industry.
Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, made this assertion in a press statement on Sunday, responding to recent claims by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other groups suggesting that imported fuel is being sold at lower prices than those set by the Dangote refinery. He emphasized that any marketer offering petrol at prices below those of Dangote is likely sourcing substandard products through collusion with international traders.
Recent disclosures from oil marketers indicate that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, produced by Dangote ranges between ₦1,015 and ₦1,028 per liter, depending on the quantity purchased. This has prompted some dealers to consider importing petrol and selling it below the refinery’s prices, as well as those set by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
The refinery, while denying the marketers’ assertions, reiterated that there are efforts in place to blend and distribute lower-quality products to rival Dangote’s offerings. Chiejina remarked, “We have refrained from engaging in media disputes, but we must respond to the misinformation circulating from IPMAN, PETROAN, and other associations.”
He pointed out that claims of lower-priced PMS are misleading and that any fuel being sold at such prices must be substandard, thus compromising the health of Nigerians and the integrity of their vehicles. Chiejina also highlighted concerns over the regulatory authority’s failure to detect such substandard products due to a lack of adequate laboratory facilities.
On pricing, the Lekki-based refinery stated that it sells petrol at ₦960 per liter for ship supplies and ₦990 for truck deliveries following the sector’s recent deregulation. In comparison, NNPC prices its fuel at ₦971 per liter for ships and ₦990 for trucks. The refinery has opted for a more competitive price for ship supplies, maintaining its truck rates.
Chiejina further explained that it is common for governments worldwide to protect their domestic industries to foster job creation and economic growth, citing examples from the US and Europe. He urged the public to dismiss any disinformation from those who would prefer Nigeria to continue exporting jobs while importing poverty.
As the Dangote Petroleum Refinery aims to provide quality and affordable fuel to Nigerians, it calls for vigilance against low-quality products that could jeopardize public safety and the nation’s refining sector.
