…Says Nigeria Has Entered New Phase of Fuel Abundance
Dangote Petroleum Refinery Plc has assured Nigerian consumers of a sustained end to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) scarcity, declaring that the country has entered a new era of fuel abundance and quality.
The assurance was given by the newly appointed Managing Director of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, following the facility’s uninterrupted fuel supplies during the Christmas and New Year festive period.
Mr Bird described the development as a major milestone for the refinery and the nation’s energy sector, emphasising that “Nigeria is now enjoying world-class fuel.”
He said the refinery is now producing petrol to Euro 5 standards, the highest environmental benchmark for sulphur content in automotive fuels, adding that the facility supplies both domestic and international markets.
“Nigeria is now enjoying world-class fuel. We have the capacity, and we must make sure our production matches the European quality,” he said, highlighting that the refinery also exports petrol to Europe and jet fuel to destinations such as Dubai.
He criticized the historical practice of importing inferior fuel grades into West Africa, noting that the refinery’s output represents not just a greater volume but “a major public health improvement” due to its cleaner composition.
Bird said the refinery had achieved supply levels of “1000 trucks daily and 500 million litres a day,” a performance he said has contributed to stabilising fuel availability and lowering pump prices, which in turn supports broader economic stability, including the Nigerian naira.
The new Managing Director also outlined plans for further investment in refining capacity and petrochemical production, aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and fostering a more robust industrial ecosystem.
He said the expansion of polypropylene output to 2.4 million tonnes annually would strengthen local value chains and reduce import dependence.
While steering clear of commentary on the controversial management reorganisation that took place in October, Mr Bird reiterated that Dangote’s focus remains on building capacity and expanding operations.
“Dangote’s vision for the expansion is all about enforcing lower costs that can expand to areas that are population‑led,” he said.
Addressing concerns over fuel pricing, particularly criticisms from some industry stakeholders that the N739 per litre price was “anti‑competitive”, Bird said the price was fair and reflected market realities.
“The retail price is fully competitive. The consumer has a choice to choose whichever, and I’d like to see a change in how regulator works for the market,” he said.
While addressing reporters, Anthony Chiejina, Head of Communications for the Dangote Group, suggested that disruptions in Venezuela’s oil sector had inadvertently benefited domestic fuel supply. He said Nigeria’s status as a producing country was now an advantage.
Bird emphasized that local refining capacity is crucial in insulating Nigeria from global oil price volatility.
He explained that reliance on imported refined products had previously exposed the country to swings in international markets, whereas local production brings greater stability to the fuel sector.
“This is a continental project. This is not just a crude processing plant, and our objective is to drive price stability within a range of the international benchmark market,” he said.
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