The Dangote Oil Refinery has dismissed widespread speculation about the closure of its gasoline unit, describing the claims as unfounded.
Concerns had emerged last week that the refinery might suspend petrol production due to technical damage, with initial reports pointing to catalyst leaks and projecting a two-week shutdown.
Those projections were later expanded in other accounts, suggesting the petrol unit could remain closed for up to two months.
Anthony Chiejina, spokesperson for the Dangote Group, refuted the reports, questioning their credibility and dismissing them outright.
“Fake news. Why ‘could’ if they are sure?” he told The Punch when contacted for comment on Sunday.
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Since its inauguration, the refinery has played a central role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
It began by supplying jet fuel and other petroleum products before moving into large-scale domestic petrol supply, a shift that has significantly transformed the country’s energy landscape and extended its reach into international markets.
Aliko Dangote, CEO of the refinery, confirmed that around one million tons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were exported in June and July 2025.
Nigeria’s gasoline imports have fallen sharply, dropping from 500,000 barrels per day in early 2023 to just 88,000 barrels per day by the first quarter of 2025, ending the country’s long-standing position as Africa’s largest petrol importer.
An analysis by CITAC linked this dramatic shift directly to the refinery’s increased output, with Nigeria’s total imports for 2025 projected at only 6.4 million tonnes.
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Image Credit: Punch Nigeria Limited
