The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, has issued a strong rebuttal to recent reports alleging a shutdown of its operations and suspension of truck loading activities. The refinery’s management categorically denied these claims, emphasizing that the facility remains fully operational and continues to supply substantial volumes of petroleum products to the Nigerian market. The statement, released by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, unequivocally affirmed the refinery’s ongoing production and distribution, underscoring its commitment to ensuring a stable and reliable fuel supply for the nation. Furthermore, the refinery clarified that the recent sale of Residual Catalytic Oil, often misinterpreted as a sign of operational disruption, is a standard business practice involving large parcel sales, a common procedure in the industry.
Contrary to speculative reports suggesting production interruptions, the Dangote Refinery asserted that it consistently supplies over 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, daily, in addition to substantial volumes of diesel. This consistent supply, the refinery emphasized, remains uninterrupted and continues to meet the demands of the Nigerian market. The refinery’s management attributed its operational stability to its advanced predictive and preventive maintenance protocols, which are designed to ensure seamless and uninterrupted production. These routine maintenance activities, they explained, are standard practice in the industry and do not impact the overall fuel supply, contrary to the narrative being propagated by certain quarters.
Addressing the speculation surrounding potential supply shortages and price increases, the refinery directly challenged those spreading the rumors to place orders for daily deliveries of up to 40 million litres of PMS and 15 million litres of diesel for the next 90 days. This challenge serves as a demonstration of the refinery’s confidence in its production capacity and its commitment to meeting market demand. The refinery’s management expressed their willingness to fulfill substantial orders, thereby directly refuting claims of production limitations or supply disruptions. This bold move demonstrates the refinery’s proactive stance against misinformation and its dedication to transparency in its operations.
The Dangote Refinery further underscored its commitment to transparency and Nigeria’s energy security, urging the public to disregard the unsubstantiated rumors. The refinery’s management pointedly attributed these rumors to unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals seeking to undermine the country’s drive towards energy independence for their selfish interests, including potentially facilitating the importation of substandard fuels under the guise of domestic supply shortages. This accusation highlights the potential motivations behind the spread of misinformation and underscores the importance of relying on credible sources for information regarding the refinery’s operations.
The refinery’s strong rebuttal and its challenge to potential buyers serve not only to clarify its operational status but also to reinforce its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security. By consistently supplying substantial volumes of petroleum products and maintaining transparent communication, the Dangote Refinery aims to solidify its role as a key player in the Nigerian energy sector and contribute to the nation’s journey towards self-sufficiency in fuel production. This proactive approach to addressing misinformation and ensuring a stable fuel supply is crucial for stabilizing the market and fostering confidence among consumers.
The Dangote Refinery’s emphasis on its advanced maintenance protocols and its consistent supply volumes underscores its commitment to operational excellence and its dedication to meeting the nation’s fuel demands. By directly challenging those spreading rumors and inviting substantial orders, the refinery demonstrates its confidence in its capabilities and its transparent approach to business. This direct engagement with the public and its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security position the Dangote Refinery as a vital contributor to the nation’s economic growth and stability. The refinery’s proactive communication and its unwavering commitment to supplying the market reinforce its crucial role in the Nigerian energy landscape.
