Dangote Refinery Threatens to Halt Petrol Sales to Importers

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is considering halting petrol sales to major marketers that continue to import fuel into Nigeria. The refinery argues that these marketers blend high-quality domestic petrol with imported fuel of uncertain quality, which obscures the refinery's product standards.

The refinery also criticized the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for issuing import licenses despite the plant's ability to meet domestic demand. This regulatory approach has contributed to a 43.3 percent increase in imports, prompting the refinery to consider exporting excess stocks to maintain commercially sustainable inventory levels.

Economist Muda Yusuf responded to the dispute by urging the regulator to transparently publish domestic supply gaps before granting further import licenses. Yusuf stated that such measures are necessary to ensure fair competition and support national energy security.