The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has rejected claims by fuel marketers, asserting that it can not meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand.
The refinery emphasises its ability to maintain sufficient fuel reserves to meet local needs, with additional capacity for export.
This response follows Aliko Dangote, the refinery’s founder, accusing powerful groups, including marketers and traders, of attempting to undermine the success of the $20 billion facility.
The Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Olufemi Adewole, countered Dangote. He claims marketers are merely protecting their businesses by continuing to import petroleum products.
While Adewole denied the existence of a ‘cabal’ within the sector, he acknowledged the significant role of private depot operators, who have invested heavily to ensure a consistent fuel supply.
Refinery Fails To Meet Consumption Levels
Despite the refinery’s capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, Adewole argued that it has not yet met the country’s reduced fuel consumption levels.
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He stressed that private depots still manage much of the fuel distribution.
Adewole referred to a statement from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which highlighted that the refinery had not met local demand.
Dangote Executive Challenges The Claims
However, a senior Dangote Refinery executive challenged these claims, asserting that the facility continues to export fuel after fulfilling local supply needs.
The executive also pointed out that Nigeria’s fuel consumption data has been manipulated over the years but expressed confidence that the true figures would soon emerge.
