Dangote Refinery Dismisses Shutdown Claims, Confirms Steady Fuel Production Amid Maintenance
Story: written by Joseph Janary 6,2026
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has assured Nigerians that petrol and other refined products are being produced consistently, despite ongoing maintenance work on some of its major processing units.
The refinery said routine servicing on its crude distillation unit and residual fluid catalytic cracking unit has not disrupted operations, stressing that fuel output continues through other fully functional processing systems.
Recent reports had claimed that the refinery temporarily halted petrol production to carry out upgrades. However, company officials refuted the reports, explaining that the plant’s integrated design allows it to sustain production even when specific units are undergoing maintenance.
In a statement on Monday, the refinery said key units such as the naphtha hydrotreater, continuous catalytic reformer and hydrocracker are operating normally, enabling the continued supply of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), diesel and aviation fuel.
“The refinery remains fully operational. Production is stable and uninterrupted,” the company said.
Dangote Refinery disclosed that it is capable of supplying between 40 million and 50 million litres of petrol daily through January and February, subject to market demand. On January 4, output reportedly hit 50 million litres, with 48 million litres successfully loaded and dispatched via the gantry.
The company added that current fuel reserves are sufficient to meet more than 20 days of nationwide consumption.
Data from mid-December show daily petrol loadings fluctuating between 31 million and 48 million litres, in line with demand patterns. The refinery said these figures can be independently confirmed using depot loading records maintained by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Dangote Refinery also confirmed that it continues to sell petrol at an ex-gantry price of ₦699 per litre to marketers and bulk purchasers, urging distributors to prioritise locally refined products instead of imported fuel.
According to the company, domestic fuel sourcing would help moderate pump prices, ease pressure on foreign exchange and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security. It added that local refining has already helped curb price volatility in the downstream sector, warning that heavy reliance on imports could lead to sharp increases in petrol prices.
