Dangote Refinery Under Fire Over Alleged Importation of High-Sulphur Petrol from the UK

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I have been following recent reports closely, and the issue of fuel quality at Dangote Refinery has once again come under scrutiny. Allegations suggest that the refinery may be importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a sulphur content far above Nigeria’s approved standards, sourced from the UK, and distributing it domestically. These claims raise serious questions about regulatory compliance, environmental impact, and consumer health.

In this post, I break down what is known, what is alleged, how Dangote has responded, and what to watch going forward.

What the Reports Allege

  • A document obtained by SaharaReporters reportedly shows a shipment of PMS loaded at Phillips 66 refinery in Immingham, UK, aboard the vessel Clearocean Mary on or about September 2025, containing approximately 37,000 metric tonnes (≈ 49.6 million litres) of petrol with sulphur content of ~690 ppm. This is well above Nigeria’s current standard of 50 ppm for retail fuel. Nairaland

  • The product is said to be described as “High-Sulphur Cat Gasoline (FCC Gasoline)” loaded for export. According to the same source, the refinery’s FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) unit — the part that helps produce lower-sulphur gasoline from heavier fuel fractions — is claimed to be non-operational. Nairaland

  • Critics allege that the high-sulphur fuel is then blended or rebranded and distributed as though it originated from local refining. This would be in direct conflict with environmental regulations and potentially deceptive for consumers. Nairaland

Dangote’s Response & Regulatory Standpoints

  • Dangote Group has publicly denied producing high-sulphur diesel or PMS, calling such reports “false, baseless, mischievous”. The company insists its products meet strict international specifications. Nairametrics+2Nairametrics+2

  • In one statement, Dangote claimed that the sulphur content in its diesel was about 87.6 ppm, markedly lower than many imported equivalents which, in tests, showed levels exceeding 1,800 to 2,000 ppm. Pulse Nigeria+2Vanguard News+2

  • The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has also weighed in. It has denied approval of dirty fuel imports, stating that only fuel meeting the lawful sulphur limits is allowed. Nairametrics

Standards & Legal / Environmental Context

  • Under Nigeria’s Clean Fuels initiative, enforced by NMDPRA, sulphur in PMS and other fuels is capped at 50 parts per million (ppm) for domestic/retail use. Nairaland+2Nairametrics+2

  • ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) has also set regional guidelines for fuel quality and sulphur limits. These are intended to harmonize standards among member states, improve air quality, and reduce health risks associated with sulphur-based pollution. Nairametrics+1

Implications & Risks

For me, if the reports are true, the implications are serious:

  • Environmental and health risks: High sulphur fuels contribute to air pollution (sulphur dioxide emissions), acid rain, respiratory issues, and corrosion of engines.

  • Regulatory non-compliance: Distributing fuel above the legal sulphur limit could open Dangote to penalties, legal challenges, or demands for corrective measures.

  • Consumer trust: If consumers perceive that local standards are being compromised, public trust in Dangote and regulatory bodies may erode.

  • Diplomatic / trade implications: Importing fuel from UK refineries with high sulphur content could impact trade regulations, import approvals, and compliance with international fuel quality-related obligations.

Gaps & Questions Remaining

While the allegations are strong, there are still important unknowns and conflicting claims:

  • Is there official verified documentation from Dangote or independent labs confirming the 690 ppm sulphur content claim?

  • Has Dangote’s FCC / RFCC unit actually been non-operational, as alleged, and for how long? What are the maintenance reports, if any?

  • Are there credible, recent test results from fuel purchased at retail filling stations in Nigeria confirming elevated sulphur levels?

  • What steps is NMDPRA taking in monitoring, enforcing, or auditing such fuel imports or refining processes?

  • How might consumers differentiate products originating from imports vs. local refining in pricing, labeling, or quality?

What to Watch Next

Here are developments I will be monitoring closely:

  1. Laboratory test data from independent sources on fuel samples at filling stations.

  2. Official statements from Dangote, NMDPRA, and possibly Phillips 66 verifying or refuting the high-sulphur shipment claims.

  3. Regulatory action — whether any sanctions, licenses are revoked, or stricter inspections begin.

  4. Media and public reaction, especially from environmental agencies, health-focused groups, or consumer rights organisations.

  5. Pricing trends — whether cheaper (but inferior) imports flood the market and undercut local refined fuel, or whether local refined product is maintained/below imported product price.

Conclusion

From my perspective, the controversy over Dangote Refinery’s alleged importation of high-sulphur petrol from the UK underscores the complex interplay of energy policy, regulation, business, and public health. If even part of the allegations are verified, much work will be needed to ensure standards are enforced and transparency is maintained. For Nigeria to truly benefit from its downstream refining potential, quality cannot be sacrificed in the name of supply or cost.

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