Dangote Refinery has debunked recent media reports claiming that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has begun lifting petrol from its facility. According to a statement released on Thursday by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, both parties are still in the process of negotiating terms, and the refinery has yet to commence the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to NNPC.
Chiejina emphasized that the Dangote Refinery is not in a position to determine the price of petrol, as the sector is strictly regulated by relevant government authorities. He clarified that the issue of setting the price of petrol does not arise at this stage since no refined PMS has been lifted by NNPC from the refinery.
He stated, "NNPC has not commenced lifting of refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from our Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Therefore, the issue of fixing the price of petrol lifted from our refinery does not arise, as we are yet to finalize our contract with NNPC."
Chiejina further urged the public to disregard the misleading reports, assuring Nigerians that the refinery will provide high-quality petroleum products that will be readily available across the country.
Meanwhile, NNPC Limited has announced plans to deliver over 17.6 million barrels of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery between September and October 2024. Speaking on a national television program, the Executive Vice-President of Downstream Operations at NNPC, Adedapo Segun, revealed that this delivery is part of the federal government's efforts to boost local production of petroleum products.
Segun noted, "We have supplied about 30 million barrels to Dangote so far—6.3 million this month, and we will supply 11.3 million in October."
As negotiations between NNPC and Dangote Refinery continue, the public is advised to await official communications for accurate information regarding the commencement of petrol lifting and pricing from the facility. Insight Radio will keep you updated as the situation unfolds.
