The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has dismissed reports alleging it imports finished petroleum products, describing such claims as false and based on a misunderstanding of standard refinery operations.
The refinery’s management explained that DPRP is a modern, large-scale merchant refinery designed to refine crude oil and process intermediate feedstocks into high-quality, market-ready petroleum products and petrochemicals.
Speaking at a media briefing at the refinery, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, David Bird, clarified that processing intermediate or semi-processed materials into finished fuels is standard industry practice and does not constitute importing finished products.
Bird noted that, unlike conventional Nigerian refineries, Dangote Petroleum Refinery operates on a European and Asian merchant refinery model, supported by a state-of-the-art refining, blending, and trading configuration that meets modern quality standards.
“DPRP produces high-quality fuels aligned with international environmental and health standards. Our gasoline is lead-free and MMT-free, with sulphur content of 50 parts per million, while our diesel meets ultra-low sulphur specifications,” Bird said.
“These standards help reduce emissions, protect engines and safeguard public health.”
He added that the refinery supplies only fully refined, market-ready fuels.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery offers high-quality finished products. We will never supply semi-finished products to the market. Semi-finished products should not be used in vehicles,” he stated, displaying samples of intermediate feedstocks and finished products to journalists.
Bird recalled that Nigerians had been exposed for decades to substandard fuel, noting that the refinery was established to reverse this trend by delivering products that meet the highest international benchmarks.
He added that DPRP’s fuels are now supplied to markets across the world, underscoring their quality and competitiveness.
Also Read: Dangote Refinery Queries Union Over Crude Supply Cuts
He explained that intermediate products are semi-processed materials derived from crude oil and used as feedstock for further refining into finished fuels such as petrol and diesel, as well as petrochemicals.
These include naphtha, straight-run gas oils, vacuum gas oil (VGO), reformate, alkylate, and isomerate.
Bird emphasised that the refinery has maintained transparency in its operations and regulatory engagements and urged the media to educate the public on the distinction between intermediate and finished products.
“It is regrettable that some individuals are deliberately spreading false narratives about a refinery that has transformed Nigeria and the wider West African region from a dumping ground for substandard fuel into a refining hub with access to high-quality products,” he said.
He further highlighted that the refinery’s flexible design allows it to process a wide range of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks into premium finished products.
Assuring Nigerians of adequate product availability, Bird noted that the refinery has played a key role in easing fuel scarcity, stabilising the naira, and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.
Also speaking, Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, urged journalists to exercise caution in their choice of words, warning that inaccurate terminology could mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.