The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed social media and media reports claiming it has shut down operations, stating emphatically that such reports are false, misleading, and not grounded in actual refinery performance. Since beginning full commercial operations, the refinery has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, and its leadership says the facility continues to fulfil its mission of stabilising the downstream petroleum market.
According to the refinery’s latest communication, it produced 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on January 4 and successfully evacuated 48 million litres through its gantry on that same day, a clear indicator that production and supply operations are ongoing at healthy levels. The refinery stressed that these figures are not isolated, noting that marketers lifted over 48 million litres last Sunday alone, demonstrating robust and consistent supply into the retail network.
To address concerns around potential fuel scarcity or supply disruption, the company highlighted that current stock levels are sufficient to cover more than 20 days of national consumption. This buffer provides room for market demand fluctuations and reinforces confidence that fuel availability will remain stable even as markets adjust to seasonal consumption patterns.
On pricing, the Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its ex‑gantry price of N699 per litre for PMS, underlining that this rate remains available to all marketers and bulk consumers. The refinery maintains that access to locally refined petrol at competitive prices supports affordable fuel distribution and helps reduce pressure on domestic consumers amid external price volatility.
The refinery’s statement also clarified its operational capabilities during routine maintenance activities. While some units, such as the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit, were undergoing scheduled work, this has not disrupted overall production due to the facility’s integrated design. Other key processing units like the Naphtha Hydrotreater, Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) Reformer, and Hydrocracker continue to function at full capacity, producing not only PMS but also Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Jet A‑1 aviation fuel.
In support of transparency and regulatory compliance, the Dangote Refinery noted that between December 16, 2025, and date, it has loaded between 31 million and 48 million litres of PMS daily, all in line with prevailing market demand. The refinery emphasised that these volumes are verifiable against depot loading records maintained by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) as part of its regulatory oversight responsibilities.
Addressing the root of the shutdown rumours, the company stated that the false reports appear to be deliberately crafted to create panic and uncertainty in the downstream petroleum market. The refinery suggested that inaccurate information may be circulated to justify recent fuel pump price increases, actions that are “inconsistent with national interest and impose unnecessary hardship on Nigerians.”
The Dangote Refinery also reiterated its broader role as a stabilising force in the downstream market, noting that without a reliable domestic refining base, petrol prices in a post‑subsidy environment could escalate, potentially approaching N1,400 per litre, a scenario that would exacerbate inflation and erode consumer purchasing power. By consistently supplying locally refined petrol, the refinery helps conserve foreign exchange that would otherwise be spent on fuel imports, supports energy security, and strengthens Nigeria’s economic resilience.
In closing, the statement urged stakeholders, marketers, and the general public to rely on verified sources for information and to be cautious of misinformation. “Dangote Petroleum Refinery will continue to act in the national interest by supplying high‑quality, locally refined petroleum products while supporting Nigeria’s economic stability, energy independence, and industrial growth,” the refinery concluded.
