During a recent visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the House of Representatives insisted on testing both Dangote’s diesel and imported products, resulting in findings that showcase the superior quality of the refinery’s output.
Lab tests conducted during the visit revealed Dangote’s diesel has a Sulphur content of 87.6 ppm (parts per million).
In contrast, imported diesel samples tested showed Sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.
These results contradict claims by Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, who asserted that imported diesel surpasses domestically refined products in quality.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, emphasized that the refinery’s products meet international standards and are superior to imported equivalents. He expressed confidence in the quality of Dangote’s diesel and called for transparency and impartial assessments to determine the best interests of Nigerians.
Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, praised the refinery for its significant investments and contributions to Nigeria’s development. The House members observed the testing of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and commended the refinery for its high standards.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, highlighted that the refinery conforms to Euro V specifications and meets various international standards.
He noted that recent actions by European countries, like Belgium and the Netherlands, have raised concerns about the carcinogenic effects of high-Sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian market.
The findings from the tests have sparked discussions on the quality of diesel products in Nigeria, with Dangote advocating for stringent verification methods to ensure the safety and health of consumers.
The refinery, designed to process a wide range of crude oils and comply with international emission norms, aims to meet 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel, with surplus available for export.
The visit by the House of Representatives has underscored the superior quality of products refined at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, debunking allegations of inferior quality compared to imported diesel. This development highlights the refinery’s role in enhancing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in petroleum products and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
