Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has dismissed reports alleging that it imports finished petroleum products, describing the claims as false and based on a misunderstanding of how modern refineries operate.
The management of the refinery said processing intermediate or semi-processed feedstocks is a standard global practice in the refining industry and should not be misconstrued as importing finished fuel.
Speaking during a media briefing at the refinery, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, David Bird, explained that DPRP operates a merchant refinery model similar to those in Europe and Asia, which combines advanced refining, blending and trading systems to meet modern quality and environmental standards.
According to him, the refinery produces fuels that comply with international environmental and health benchmarks.
“Our gasoline is lead-free and MMT-free with 50 parts per million sulphur content, while our diesel meets ultra-low sulphur specifications. These standards help to reduce emissions, protect engines and safeguard public health,” Bird said.
He stressed that the refinery supplies only fully refined, market-ready petroleum products, adding that intermediate materials are not suitable for vehicles and are therefore not released into the Nigerian market. During the briefing, samples of intermediate feedstocks and finished products were displayed to journalists to illustrate the difference.
Bird said the refinery was established to address Nigeria’s long-standing exposure to substandard fuels by producing products that meet stringent global standards. He added that DPRP’s products are already being exported to international markets, underscoring their quality and competitiveness.
He explained that intermediate materials such as naphtha, straight-run gas oil, vacuum gas oil (VGO), reformate, alkylate and isomerate are commonly used as feedstock for further refining into petrol, diesel and petrochemicals.
Reaffirming the refinery’s commitment to transparency, Bird urged the media to educate the public on the distinction between intermediate products and finished fuels.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals are spreading misleading narratives about a refinery that has helped transform Nigeria and the West African region from a dumping ground for substandard fuels into a hub for high-quality products,” he said.
Bird added that the refinery’s flexible configuration allows it to process different grades of crude oil and intermediate feedstocks into premium finished fuels.
He assured Nigerians of sustained product availability, noting that the refinery has played a role in easing fuel shortages, stabilising the naira and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.
Also speaking, the Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, urged journalists to use accurate terminology in reporting, warning that misrepresentation could mislead the public and cause unnecessary anxiety.