The Dangote Refinery has issued a statement in response to allegations made by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding the pricing of petrol. The refinery categorically denies claims that it is selling petrol to NNPCL at a price of N898 per liter, labeling such statements as "misleading and mischievous."
On September 15, 2024, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye announced that the company had commenced loading petrol from the Dangote Refinery at the aforementioned price. However, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer for Dangote Refinery, has refuted this assertion, stating that it is an attempt to undermine the significant achievement of initiating local petrol production aimed at alleviating Nigeria's long-standing energy insufficiency and insecurity.
Chiejina emphasized that the pricing of petrol from the refinery has not yet been finalized by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, which was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This committee is expected to commence its work on October 1, 2024.
"The claims made by NNPCL are not only incorrect but also serve to mislead the public about our operations," said Chiejina. "We urge Nigerians to disregard these statements and await a formal announcement regarding pricing."
He further clarified that the products sold to NNPCL are priced in dollars, which allows for substantial savings compared to current import costs. This strategic move is anticipated to ensure that petrol becomes accessible in every local government area across Nigeria.
The commencement of petrol distribution from Dangote Refinery marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in fuel production. The refinery's operations are expected to significantly reduce fuel scarcity and stabilize prices in the market.
"We assure Nigerians of our commitment to providing high-quality petroleum products and ending the endemic fuel scarcity that has plagued our economy for decades," Chiejina concluded.