The Dangote refinery has announced a delay in its plan to release premium motor spirit (PMS) into the market.
Initially scheduled for this month, the supply will now commence in July.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, informed newsmen on Monday that the refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, faced minor challenges pushing the release date to mid-July.
Dangote stated, “We had a bit of delay, but PMS will start coming out by the 10th to 15th of July. We want to keep it in the tank to ensure it settles properly. By the third week of July, we’ll be able to introduce it to the market.”
Previously, Dangote had disclosed plans to begin PMS sales in June, aiming to end Nigeria’s petrol importation.
Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, he expressed optimism about transforming Africa’s energy landscape.
“Right now, Nigeria has no cause to import anything apart from gasoline. By sometime in June, within the next four or five weeks, Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of a litre,” he declared.
He added, “We have enough gasoline to supply at least the entire West Africa, diesel for West and Central Africa, and aviation fuel for the entire continent, with some for export to Brazil and Mexico.
We have started producing jet fuel and diesel, and by next month, we’ll be producing gasoline. This will enable us to utilize most African crude.”
Dangote’s statements have been encouraging for marketers and Nigerians, who are hopeful that the refinery will reduce petrol prices from around N700 to N500 or below.
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