The Management of Dangote Industries Limited has condemned in strong terms an online report on the quality of its diesel which is being supplied to the Nigerian market.
The Dangote Group described the allegation as false, baseless, and mischievous, stating that its refinery is designed to produce the highest quality petroleum products that meet very stringent international specifications.
A statement signed and issued by Anthony Chiejina, Company’s Spokesperson, made available to newsmen, stressed that “publications indicating that we are producing high sulphur diesel are mischievous and designed to tarnish the image of our reputable organisation.”
Chiejina added that “the false and misleading allegations made by some media outlets that the Dangote Refinery is producing substandard diesel which is why it reduced the price by 37 per cent, is baseless and mischievous.
“Until late last year, diesel imports into Nigeria were up to 7,000 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur which has been going on for many years. Our diesel is produced currently at significantly lower levels of sulphur; as such, we find baseless the allegation that the reason for reduction is linked to quality. What we are producing is 80% better than what is being imported into the country.
The group’s spokesperson affirmed that the real reason behind the Dangote diesel price reduction was principally due to the patriotism of the management to the nation as well as prevailing market dynamics of supply and demand.
He noted that traders in the West, who supply the Nigerian diesel market cannot be happy, Dangote refinery has taken away their market.
Recall that a recent report by Bloomberg noted that Dangote oil refinery is slowly grinding into gear.
It added that Dangote has been shipping products in recent weeks while readying two units to enable petrol output that will deliver a long-promised transformation of the fuel market both in Nigeria and the region, according to analysts.
