Dangote Refinery Refutes False Claims on PMS Export and Re-Importation
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly denied allegations that it exports Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, only to re-import the same product into Nigeria.
In a statement, the refinery described the claims as false, misleading, and based on a misunderstanding of standard global refining operations. The company maintained that it does not import finished PMS into Nigeria and instead processes crude oil and intermediate feedstocks into market-ready petroleum products.
According to the refinery, materials such as reformates, condensates, and other intermediate feedstocks are not finished petrol. These products undergo additional refining and blending processes before they can meet the required specifications for consumer use. The company emphasized that importing such feedstocks is a common practice among major refineries worldwide.
The refinery’s management explained that its operations follow the merchant refinery model used in Europe and Asia, allowing it to process a variety of crude oils and intermediate materials to produce high-quality fuels that comply with international standards.
Chief Executive Officer David Bird reiterated that the refinery supplies only fully refined, market-ready products and does not release semi-finished fuels into the Nigerian market. He noted that the refinery’s petrol meets Euro-standard specifications, including low sulphur content aimed at reducing emissions and improving engine performance.
Dangote Refinery also argued that misinformation surrounding its operations risks undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s refining sector. The company stated that its products are exported to international markets, demonstrating compliance with global quality standards.
The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s fuel supply chain and the role of domestic refining in reducing dependence on imported petroleum products. The refinery maintains that its operations are transparent and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.
As Africa’s largest refinery, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to position itself as a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy security, insisting that claims of exporting and re-importing finished PMS do not reflect its actual business operations.
