Dangote Refinery Refutes Shutdown Claims, Confirms Supplying 40m Litres Daily

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed widespread rumours suggesting it has halted operations, insisting that its facility remains fully functional and continues to produce and supply petroleum products at full capacity. In a statement issued on Saturday, the refinery management described the shutdown claims as “baseless and misleading,” assuring stakeholders and the public that the refinery is operating smoothly and consistently delivering products to the Nigerian market.

According to the company, the refinery is currently producing and supplying an average of 40 million litres of refined petroleum products daily, meeting a substantial portion of the nation’s fuel demand. Management stressed that such output represents a significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy security and ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

The refinery explained that routine maintenance procedures and operational adjustments, which are standard in large-scale industrial operations, might have been misinterpreted by some observers as a shutdown. It emphasised that there had been no operational halt and that production has been running without major interruptions since commencement.

Company spokespersons attributed the rumours to misinformation circulating on social media and urged the public to rely on official updates from credible sources. They also reassured customers, distributors, and industry stakeholders that the refinery remains committed to meeting contractual obligations and ensuring steady product availability across the country.

The statement read in part: “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has not shut down operations at any point. We continue to operate at optimum capacity, supplying 40 million litres of high-quality refined petroleum products daily to the Nigerian market. These baseless shutdown rumours are completely unfounded and intended to mislead the public.”

Industry analysts say the refinery’s clarification is significant given the vital role it plays in Nigeria’s energy landscape. Since its commissioning, the facility has been seen as a game-changer for the country’s downstream petroleum sector, with its capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day when fully operational. The plant’s current output has already reduced the need for fuel imports, helped stabilise supply, and contributed to moderating pump prices in recent weeks.

Market experts also note that the Dangote Refinery’s operations have strategic implications beyond Nigeria, with potential to supply products to neighbouring West African countries and strengthen regional energy security. The reassurance that production is ongoing is expected to ease market concerns and prevent speculative disruptions in fuel distribution channels.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high production standards, utilising advanced refining technology to ensure its output meets both local and international quality specifications. It also highlighted its role in supporting the Nigerian economy through job creation, local procurement, and foreign exchange savings derived from reduced imports.

In addressing the issue, management urged the public to disregard unverified claims that could undermine confidence in the country’s refining sector. It stressed that transparency remains central to its operations and pledged to continue providing regular updates on production levels and supply performance.

The refinery’s assurance comes amid heightened public sensitivity to fuel availability and pricing, given past challenges with supply disruptions in Nigeria. By confirming that it is supplying 40 million litres of products daily, Dangote Refinery aims to reinforce public trust in its ability to deliver consistent and reliable fuel supplies.

Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have welcomed the company’s swift response to the rumours, noting that clear communication is essential in preventing panic buying or distribution bottlenecks. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has also confirmed that there have been no official reports of operational downtime at the refinery.

As the largest single-train refinery in the world, Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains central to Nigeria’s strategy of achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum products. The company’s denial of the shutdown rumours not only reassures the public but also underscores the importance of combating misinformation that could destabilise the market.

For now, Dangote Refinery maintains that its focus is on ramping up production to full installed capacity while continuing to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs. With its daily supply of 40 million litres, the facility remains a cornerstone of the country’s energy stability, and management insists that operations will continue uninterrupted despite the false narratives circulating online.