In recent news, reports have surfaced suggesting that the Dangote Group, led by Aliko Dangote, has sold fuel to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at a staggering rate of ₦898 per litre. These allegations have caused quite a stir, especially given the sensitive nature of fuel pricing in Nigeria, which directly affects the economy and citizens' daily lives.However, Dangote Group has come forward to strongly refute these claims. In an official statement, the company branded the rumors as "completely false and misleading." The group clarified that no transaction or agreement involving such an exorbitant price has been made with the NNPC. This swift dismissal aims to address the confusion and outrage caused by the circulating misinformation.Adding further context, the statement pointed out that the Dangote Refinery, which has been eagerly anticipated to revolutionize Nigeria’s fuel supply, has not yet commenced full operations. As such, any claim about a fuel sale at inflated prices is baseless and impossible.The statement reads:"Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPCL spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at ₦898 per litre to the NNPCL. This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today, September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has plagued the economy for the past 50 years."The company urged Nigerians to disregard the false claims and await a formal announcement from the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries. The sub-committee, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will disclose the official pricing on October 1, 2024.It was also emphasized that the Dangote Group had sold petroleum products to the NNPC in dollars, leading to significant savings when compared to current imports. With this move, the group aims to ensure that fuel is available across the country, including in remote areas.The statement concluded with a message of reassurance to Nigerians:"We assure Nigerians of the availability of quality petroleum products and our commitment to ending the fuel scarcity that has plagued the country for years."
