Dangote Petroleum Refinery has denied reports suggesting it imports finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigeria, describing the claims as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement on Monday, the refinery said publications attributed to S&P Global — and amplified through newspaper advertisements — misrepresented its operations and created a distorted picture of the country’s refining landscape.
The company said the issue was addressed during an S&P Global forum held in the United Kingdom, where clarification was provided regarding its activities. It added that the forum acknowledged the refinery’s role in global refining developments following the explanation.
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Dangote Refinery maintained that it does not import finished PMS, commonly known as petrol, into Nigeria. Instead, it said it sources alternative feedstocks to optimise utilisation of its secondary processing units.
It further disclosed that individuals allegedly behind the narrative had been identified and that their identities and motives would be revealed at an appropriate time.
“This propaganda is being promoted by unpatriotic and unscrupulous individuals who cannot afford to see Nigeria stop imports — individuals who helped to milk the NNPC refineries through fraudulent financing transactions for refinery repairs, which ended up being squandered. These individuals will soon have their day in court,” the company said.
Explaining its operations, the refinery stated that as a merchant facility operating under global best practices, it imports feedstocks and blending components — not finished PMS. These include high-sulphur reformates, low-RON condensates, and high-sulphur cracked gasoline, which undergo further processing before meeting market specifications.
According to the statement, such sourcing is standard practice among major refining hubs worldwide, where operators adjust crude slates and blending strategies to improve efficiency and margins. It warned that describing intermediate streams as finished fuel could undermine public understanding of domestic refining progress.
Dangote Refinery reiterated that the gasoline supplied to the Nigerian market is Euro 5-compliant PMS, adding that all batches undergo quality verification checks before distribution.
The company said its operations have contributed to improving fuel quality in Nigeria and reducing reliance on previously imported high-sulphur petrol supplies in West Africa.
It called on S&P Global and other industry stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy and balance in reporting due to the impact of such reports on international perception.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security, environmental sustainability and economic development through its refining operations.
