Dangote Refinery May Restrict Petrol Supply To Importing Marketers

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is considering restricting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sales to major marketers that continue to import petrol into Nigeria.

The proposed move, which could take effect as early as this week, is reportedly being considered amid concerns over product quality, market transparency and the alleged blending of imported petrol with products purchased from the refinery.

Sources familiar with the refinery’s position said Dangote is concerned that some marketers may be mixing imported PMS with its products before distributing the fuel, making it difficult for consumers to determine the origin and quality of the resulting product.

The refinery has also raised concerns about the adequacy of laboratory and quality-control facilities used to independently verify the specifications of imported petroleum products entering the Nigerian market.

The development comes as Nigeria’s downstream oil sector shifts from heavy reliance on imported refined products towards increased domestic production. With a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, Dangote Refinery has become a major supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria and international markets.

The refinery maintains that its products meet internationally recognised quality standards. Recent data from the US Energy Information Administration also identified the facility as a major contributor to the rise in Nigeria’s seaborne petroleum product exports.

However, the proposed restriction has not yet taken effect and remains subject to further consultations and possible intervention by stakeholders.