Dangote Petroleum Refinery Pledges Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Amid Domestic Surge
Dangote Petroleum Refinery Pledges Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Amid Domestic Surge
Nigeria’s drive towards energy self-sufficiency advanced a significant step this week as Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced that its daily output of both petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) and diesel now surpasses the country’s actual consumption. In a statement released on Friday, the refinery’s Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, disclosed that the facility is loading over 45 million litres of petrol and 25 million litres of diesel each day volumes which, he said, go beyond Nigeria’s present demand levels.
According to the statement, this confirmed output places the refinery in a position of supply-surplus nationally. Chiejina emphasised that the company is working closely with regulatory bodies and distribution partners to ensure the efficient delivery of these products across all regions of Nigeria. “Dangote remains steadfast in its commitment to meeting the energy needs of Nigerians,” he said.
He further noted that the increased domestic refining capacity is having beneficial knock-on effects for the nation’s economy and currency. By reducing the need for imported refined products, the move is helping to reduce foreign exchange outflows and bolster local currency inflows factors that support the naira and overall economic stability.
In a related development, Chiejina defended the federal government’s newly-introduced tariff regime for imported petroleum products. He described the 15 percent ad-valorem duty on importations of petrol and diesel as both “necessary” and “a good start” in efforts to protect domestic refining and downstream activities from unfair foreign competition and dumping of sub-standard products. “Dumping engenders poverty, discourages industrialisation, creates unemployment and leads to revenue loss for the government,” he argued.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the policy, calling it “bold and visionary” and instrumental for transforming Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector bolstering investor confidence, promoting industrial growth and securing the nation’s energy future.
With the Dangote Refinery asserting production levels that outstrip domestic demand, the potential exists for marked improvements in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. If the distribution networks hold up, consumers may face fewer fuel shortages especially critical heading into the festive period. Moreover, the surplus capacity opens the possibility of export opportunities or strategic reserves that could further support macro-economic stability.
However, the company emphasised that beyond tariffs the government must strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to stop the importation of sub-standard or toxic petroleum products. Chiejina warned that without such safeguards, local refiners could be undercut and key investments discouraged.
While the announcement signals a milestone for the country’s downstream industry, observers will be watching closely for how reliably the fuel is delivered to the far-flung corners of Nigeria — and whether prices remain stable for consumers.
