Dangote Refinery Threatens Sales Cut to Fuel Importers

Dangote Refinery has announced a potential restriction on petrol sales to major marketers importing fuel into Nigeria, citing concerns about the quality of products and the blending of imported petrol with its own output. This decision could take effect as early as this week, pending final consultations.

The refinery has raised issues regarding the blending of petrol purchased directly from it with imported products, which it claims makes it difficult to distinguish its high-quality output from inferior imports. The refinery also criticized the lack of adequate quality-control measures for verifying imported petrol in the Nigerian market.

The dispute has escalated as imported petrol accounted for approximately 43% of the fuel supplied to Nigeria in July, creating uncertainty around domestic demand. Additionally, Dangote's petrol prices have fluctuated, with a noted increase from N1,200 per litre to N1,265 per litre by August 29.