‘We’re willing to make documents public’ — Dangote refinery denies importing ‘dirty’ petrol

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has not imported finished premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, with high sulphur content into Nigeria.

Reports had claimed that the refinery imported petrol which contains a very high sulphur concentration.

In a statement on Friday, Dangote refinery said the reports are false, malicious, and misleading.

However, the refinery explained that the cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock and not finished petrol.

Intermediate feedstock is an unrefined product that still needs further processing to become a usable fuel like petrol, while finished petrol is the final form of the intermediate feedstock.

Dangote refinery added that it is willing to make the documents publicly available in the interest of full transparency and accountability.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has noted reports claiming it is importing finished petrol (PMS) with high sulphur content into Nigeria. These reports are false, malicious, and misleading,” the statement reads.

“As a world-scale complex refinery, Dangote processes a range of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks, a standard global practice aimed at optimising production and quality.

“The cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock, not finished petrol, and will be fully refined in our units to meet Nigerian and international quality standards.”

The refinery noted that all imports are accompanied by quality certificates, which are shared transparently with regulatory authorities.

Dangote refinery said it refines and sells only high-quality fuels that fully comply with all regulatory standards while operating within a free trade zone.

“Our exports of petroleum products to the United States and Europe, among the world’s most regulated markets, underscore our adherence to global benchmarks,” the refinery said.

The plant said it remains fully committed to advancing Nigeria’s energy independence, maintaining the highest standards of quality and transparency, and providing cleaner fuels for Nigeria and beyond.