Dangote Refinery Pushes Back Against Claims, Reassures Nigerians on Fuel Quality
By Esther Bello
For millions of Nigerians grappling daily with fuel prices, scarcity fears, and the hope that local refining will finally ease decades of dependency, trust has become as important as supply. That trust, Dangote Petroleum Refinery says, was put at risk by recent reports it believes misrepresented the quality of fuel produced at its facility.
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In a statement issued this week, the refinery warned that inaccurate reporting by an international ratings and commodities firm could distort public understanding and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s domestic refining progress—at a time when many Nigerians are looking to local solutions for long-standing energy challenges.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the company said, “the only gasoline supplied to the Nigerian market by Dangote Petroleum Refinery is Euro 5 compliant PMS.” According to the refinery, every batch of petrol released undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure Nigerians receive fuel that meets some of the highest global standards.
For ordinary motorists, transport operators, and small business owners who rely on petrol daily, fuel quality is not an abstract debate. Poor-quality fuel damages engines, increases maintenance costs, and ultimately affects livelihoods. Dangote Refinery says its operations were designed specifically to break Nigeria’s historical dependence on low-grade, high-sulphur petrol imports that have dominated West African markets for years.
Since commencing operations, the refinery maintains that it has significantly raised the standard of fuels available locally, with environmental and health benefits alongside economic gains. Cleaner fuel, the company argues, means reduced emissions, better engine performance, and long-term cost savings for consumers.
Beyond the immediate issue of fuel quality, the refinery expressed concern about the broader impact of global reporting on Nigeria’s image. It cautioned that reports lacking technical accuracy or balance could shape negative international perceptions at a time when the country is working to reposition itself as a serious player in energy production and industrial development.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery therefore called on S&P Global and other industry stakeholders to exercise greater responsibility in their analyses, noting the influence such assessments have on investors, policymakers, and public opinion.
Reaffirming its long-term vision, the company said it remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, supporting environmental sustainability, and contributing to economic transformation through world-class refining operations.
For many Nigerians, the debate goes beyond corporate statements. It touches on a deeper national question: whether local capacity can finally deliver reliability, quality, and independence in a sector that has long symbolised Nigeria’s unrealised potential. As the refinery insists, accuracy and trust will be critical—not just for business, but for the country’s confidence in its own progress.
Dangote Refinery Pushes Back Against Claims, Reassures Nigerians on Fuel Quality