Dangote Refinery Denies Alleged Fuel Export, Re-Import Scheme

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has denied claims that its products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and later re-imported into Nigeria.

Vanguard reported that the refinery described the allegations as false, misleading and unsupported by commercial logic. Daily Post also reported the company’s denial, citing a statement issued by the refinery on Tuesday.

The company said its objective is to supply petroleum products directly to the Nigerian market and strengthen domestic energy security. It argued that exporting products only to bring them back into Nigeria would work against that goal.

Daily Post reported that the refinery put the extra logistics cost of moving products from Nigeria to Lomé and back at between $82 and $90 per metric ton. Vanguard also reported the company’s argument that such a route would cut profit margins and make little business sense.

The refinery said its sales contracts and tender agreements prohibit resale or re-importation of its products into Nigeria. It also said it keeps records of buyers, vessels, lifting points and declared destinations.

The denial comes amid renewed debate over local refining, fuel imports and supply stability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post