By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has rejected allegations of anti-competitive practices, insisting it has not granted preferential treatment to oil marketing firm MRS and remains committed to fair and open market operations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the management of the $20bn Lekki-based refinery described the claims as misleading, stressing that its business dealings are conducted on transparent and non-discriminatory terms.
The refinery said all petroleum marketers are given equal opportunity to lift products, provided they meet established commercial and regulatory requirements. It added that pricing and access arrangements are applied uniformly, in line with market realities and existing regulations.
Responding specifically to suggestions that MRS enjoys special privileges, the company stated that the marketer operates under the same conditions as others and does not receive exclusive benefits.
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, has been at the centre of national debate since it began rolling out petroleum products, with stakeholders closely watching its impact on fuel supply, pricing and competition in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
The company maintained that increased local refining capacity would ultimately enhance competition, reduce dependence on imports and stabilise the domestic fuel market, rather than undermine it.
Industry analysts say the controversy reflects broader tensions in Nigeria’s oil sector as long-standing import-dependent structures adjust to the growing influence of domestic refining.
