Dangote Refinery Lauded For Sustaining Production, Ending Era Of Fake Fuel

The Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s first privately owned petrochemical refinery, has received high praise for its role in sustaining local production and ensuring the distribution of high-quality petroleum products across the country.

Douglas Inedu, President of the Independent Monitors Group on Economic Reforms, in a statement on Tuesday, commended the refinery’s impact, describing it as a patriotic intervention that has significantly transformed Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

According to Inedu, the operations of the Dangote Refinery have effectively curtailed the long-standing dependence on imported fuel, some of which were often substandard or adulterated. He emphasized that the refinery’s steady production has not only improved fuel quality but also contributed to stabilizing supply, reducing importation costs, and boosting the nation’s energy security.

Apart from offering the most affordable fuel across the country, the group commended the metering system of Dangote retailers, describing it as excellent. They also highlighted the superior quality of its fuel, stating that it is well-suited for vehicles in Nigeria, adding, “Their fuel no dey quick burn.”

Furthermore, they noted that independent marketers are leveraging the new partnership between MRS and Dangote Refinery, announced in December, to drive down the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) nationwide.

“Also, a new report by S&P Global has revealed that the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery now meets up to 60 percent of Nigeria’s domestic gasoline (petrol) demand.

According to the report, this milestone underscores the refinery’s increasing role in stabilizing the country’s fuel supply and reducing reliance on imports. It also highlights the facility’s significant impact on the local energy market, surpassing most analysts’ projections.

Recall that Dangote refinery began operating its key gasoline unit, the residue fluid catalytic converter, in September, 2024, and officials have promised it could reach its full capacity by mid-March.

Inedu added that, “The refinery as at January 2025, was producing over 30 million litres/day of gasoline, the site had surpassed 85 per cent utilisation.

“Equating to roughly 200,000 b/d, that output would cover the bulk of roughly 350,000 b/d gasoline demand in Nigeria, as estimated by S&P Global Commodity Insights analysts.

“According to S&P Global Commodities at Sea data, Nigeria imported 62,000 b/d of gasoline in the first month of 2025, down from a 2024 average of around 200,000 b/d”.

The group urged the Nigerian government and other key players in the industry, to provide necessary support and goodwill for the Dangote refinery to continue to sustain the integrity of distribution.