NNPC Accuses Dangote Refinery of Fuel Import Monopoly

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has accused Dangote Refinery of seeking to monopolize the fuel import market, as part of a legal dispute regarding the issuance of fuel import licenses. NNPC filed a statement in the Federal High Court in Lagos, arguing that granting the relief sought by Dangote would disrupt Nigeria's fuel supply and destabilize prices, posing a risk to national energy security.

Dangote Refinery has challenged the renewal of import licenses, asserting that the continued issuance undermines local refining capabilities and violates Section 317(9) of the Petroleum Industry Act. The refinery claims it has the capacity to meet 100% of Nigeria's refined petroleum needs and argues that imports are unnecessary given the current domestic output.

NNPC disputes this claim, stating that Dangote has not provided credible evidence of its production capacity. The case is significant as it may impact the regulatory landscape of Nigeria's downstream oil sector, with Dangote seeking an interim injunction to halt new import licenses pending the outcome of the suit.