Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring steady and uninterrupted supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) nationwide, with a daily production capacity exceeding the domestic demand.

Speaking on the development, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said the refinery?s operations are driven by the company?s dedication to supporting national energy stability and consumer confidence.

?Our refinery is currently loading over 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily which exceeds Nigeria?s demand,? Chiejina said in a statement yesterday. ?We are working collaboratively with regulatory agencies and distribution partners to guarantee efficient nationwide delivery. Dangote remains steadfast in its commitment to meeting the energy needs of Nigerians. This significant production capacity not only guarantees local supply but also enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imports,? he added.

He noted that improved local production of petroleum products has helped stabilise the exchange rate and strengthen the naira.

?We have reduced foreign exchange outflows and increased inflows, which in turn supports the naira and strengthens the economy,? he added.

He further explained that it would be unpatriotic for anyone to criticise the recently announced tariff, which, according to him, was a good start. He emphasised that the tariff was designed to protect domestic industries from unfair competition and safeguard local production.

?Dumping engenders poverty, discourages industrialisation, creates unemployment and leads to revenue loss for the government. Across the world, nations protect their local manufacturers and industries from the threat of dumping. Dumping destroyed our textile industry, which was once a major employer of labour and creator of wealth,? he added.

He noted that beyond the tariff, the government should strengthen its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the dumping of substandard and toxic petroleum products by unscrupulous and rent-seeking individuals who prioritise profiteering at the expense of Nigerians, often undermining well-intentioned government policies for their selfish interests.

He added that the prevalence of dumping in past years discouraged investors from establishing industries in Nigeria, as imported products flooded the market at unsustainable prices, undermining local production. The new tariff policy, he noted, would benefit local refiners and encourage fresh investments in the downstream oil sector, thereby strengthening Nigeria?s industrial base and creating more jobs.

He commended the foresight of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the tariff policy aimed at strengthening and transforming Nigeria?s downstream oil and gas sector. He noted that the decision reflects the administration?s commitment to creating a stable, business-friendly environment that supports local investment and enhances energy security.

?President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to embody courageous and visionary leadership, renewing the hope of Nigerians and restoring investor confidence in the nation?s economy. His administration?s bold and business-friendly reforms are reshaping the downstream oil and gas sector, unlocking new opportunities for industrial growth and national prosperity. The latest policy initiative stands as a testament to his foresight ? one of the most transformative steps yet toward securing Nigeria?s energy future and empowering local industries to thrive,? he said.

He warned that failure to protect local industries could lead to large-scale dumping from countries in Asia and Europe with excess production capacity. Such practices, he said, would strangulate domestic refineries, cripple allied industries, and undermine the laudable policies of Tinubu?s administration aimed at promoting industrial growth and economic stability.

Chiejina urged rent-seekers to reconsider their business practices and align with the Federal Government?s vision for a self-sustaining energy sector, rather than promoting the dumping of petroleum products in Nigeria. He emphasised the need for a collective sense of patriotism and responsibility among industry stakeholders, noting that national progress can only be achieved through shared commitment to policies that strengthen local industries and protect the economy.

Equipped with advanced technology and extensive infrastructure, the refinery was expected to significantly eliminate reliance on fuel imports, enhance supply chain stability, and alleviate pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, recently assured Nigerians that the prices of petrol will not be hiked during the ember months, despite recent global price increases.

?I want to assure Nigerians that the Dangote Refinery is fully committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petrol throughout the festive period. Nigerians can look forward to a Christmas and New Year free of fuel anxiety.?

Since commencing petrol production in September 2024, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has played a pivotal role in ensuring price stability, reducing the cost of petrol, aimed at stabilising the market and easing the burden on consumers. It has also eliminated the recurring fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations that Nigeria often experienced, particularly during festive periods.

He noted that the average price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in September 2024 was about N1,030 per litre, compared to an average of N841?N851 per litre in September 2025, following the implementation of the Dangote Refinery?s Direct Delivery Scheme.

Similarly, as of September 2024, the pump price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) ranged between N1,400 and N1,700 per litre, depending on the state, with prices reaching up to N1,700 in most northern states. By September 2025, however, the average price had dropped significantly to around N1,020 per litre, reflecting the refinery?s impact on stabilising the market and reducing logistics costs.

In comparison, petrol prices in neighbouring West African countries range between $1.20 and $2.00 per litre, while the average price in Nigeria remains around $0.60 per litre, a clear indication of the refinery?s profound impact on affordability and supply stability. (THISDAY)

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