Dangote Refinery Blames Excess Petrol Imports On Former NMDPRA Leadership

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has attributed the surge in petrol imports recorded in November 2025 to import licences approved by the former leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), insisting that the development was unrelated to its production capacity or supply commitments to the domestic market.

In a statement issued by the refinery’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, the company said the import licences authorised during the period sanctioned volumes that exceeded prevailing domestic demand, resulting in a temporary oversupply of petrol in the market.

The refinery stressed that no supply agreement with marketers collapsed at any point, contrary to speculation in some quarters.

Addressing concerns over the spike in fuel imports, Dangote Refinery explained that the increase coincided directly with regulatory import approvals granted before the change in leadership at the NMDPRA.

According to the refinery, these approvals allowed volumes that were significantly above market absorption levels at the time, thereby distorting supply dynamics.

The refinery emphasised that its entry into Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market was deliberately structured to respond to rising demand while enhancing access, competition and operational efficiency.

It said its supply strategy has been demand-driven and aligned with market realities following the liberalisation of the downstream sector.

Dangote Refinery disclosed that petrol supply to marketers commenced in October 2025 with an agreed offtake volume of 600 million litres.

This volume, it said, was subsequently increased to 900 million litres in November and further expanded to 1.5 billion litres in December, reflecting growing market demand and improved absorption capacity.

According to the company, the incremental increase in supply volumes was agreed with market participants and implemented in line with consumption trends, rather than any production constraints or logistical challenges.

The refinery noted that, following market liberalisation, petrol supply was opened to all eligible marketers, bulk consumers and filling station operators, creating a more competitive and inclusive supply environment.

The refinery further stated that since December 16, 2025, it has consistently dispatched between 31 million and 48 million litres of petrol daily from its gantry, depending on demand conditions.

It added that these dispatch volumes are verifiable through depot and loading records maintained under regulatory supervision.

Dangote Refinery reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security and reducing reliance on imports, while operating within the framework of market liberalisation and regulatory oversight.

It maintained that a stable and demand-aligned import licensing regime remains critical to ensuring efficiency and balance in the downstream petroleum market.