The Dangote Refinery, a monumental project in Nigeria’s oil sector, has commenced the importation of crude oil from Equatorial Guinea to facilitate its operations. This development comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the refinery’s product quality and its alignment with regulatory standards.
In recent months, the refinery faced scrutiny over allegations concerning the sulphur content in its diesel products. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) raised concerns about the potential impact of high sulphur levels on vehicle engines, prompting a series of evaluations and dialogues between the refinery’s management and regulatory bodies.
The importation of crude from Equatorial Guinea is perceived as a strategic move to diversify the refinery’s crude slate and optimize its output quality. Industry experts suggest that sourcing crude with favorable properties could enhance the refinery’s product standards and ensure compliance with national and international specifications.
Aliko Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Group, has reiterated the refinery’s commitment to delivering high-quality petroleum products and contributing to Nigeria’s energy security. He emphasized ongoing collaborations with regulatory authorities to address any concerns and to ensure that the refinery operates at optimal standards.