The Chairman of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, stated on Tuesday that with 500 million litres in its tanks, his refinery has the capacity to meet local petrol demand.
He noted that the refinery can produce over 30 million litres of fuel daily at full capacity and currently has 500 million litres in reserve. This, he said, was sufficient to supply the country for more than 12 days without the need for imports.
Dangote made this known while speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “We have enough supply of crude. We can actually produce much more than 30 million litres every day. At full capacity, we can even supply whatever is being consumed.
“As we speak today, we have 500 million litres, you know, in our tanks. So, with 500 million litres in our tanks, even if there’s no production from anywhere or no imports, this will take the country more than 12 days.
“So we are very ready. We are more than ready. And you know, I’m also putting my own name on the line by giving Mr President my word that, yes, we will be able to supply the market a minimum of 30 million per day, and we’ll be ramping up production. So, we’re ready. We’re more than ready.”
Reminded that the reality on the ground does not show that Dangote Refinery has enough fuel that would last for 12 days because there is scarcity of the product, he said: “Well, one thing that you have to understand is that we are producers.
“I have a refinery. I’m not in the business of retail. If I’m in the business of retail, then you hold me responsible.
“But what I’m saying is that the retailers should please come forward and pick. If they don’t come forward and pick, what do you want me to do?
“So, I am expecting either NNPC or the marketers to stop importing. They should come and pick because we have what they need.”