Dangote Refinery has responded to criticisms from Nigerian fuel marketers claiming that its premium motor spirit (PMS) is priced higher than imported fuel, accusing these importers of offering substandard products.
The rebuttal comes after the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) suggested that it was more cost-effective to buy imported PMS rather than sourcing from Dangote Refinery.
Yakubu Suleiman, IPMAN’s national assistant secretary, stated on a televised interview that IPMAN members are economically driven to purchase PMS where prices are lower, even if it means bypassing Dangote.
In a statement issued by Dangote Group's Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company argued that its PMS pricing is internationally benchmarked and remains competitive with import costs.
Chiejina condemned the claims as “misinformation,” asserting that anyone importing PMS at a cheaper rate must be dealing in lower-quality products.
He further warned of an international trading company allegedly blending inferior PMS in a depot near the refinery, posing risks to consumer health and vehicle longevity.
“Those selling below our prices are likely conniving with international traders to bring substandard fuel into Nigeria, endangering public health,” Chiejina stated.
He also criticized the lack of testing facilities in Nigeria's regulatory agencies, such as the NMDPRA, to detect imported substandard fuels.
Dangote Refinery, which has introduced competitive pricing – N960 per liter for ship-based sales and N990 for trucks – underscored its commitment to offering quality fuel at affordable rates.
The refinery called on Nigerians to dismiss “disinformation” campaigns intended to destabilize domestic refining efforts and protect jobs within Nigeria.