Parliament Probes Crude Shortages, Dangote Refinery Quality

Nigeria's lower parliament has set up a committee to investigate crude shortages and the importation of substandard fuels, amidst rising tensions between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The $20 billion Dangote Refinery, operational since January, faces challenges such as insufficient crude supplies and accusations of producing high-sulphur diesel. Aliko Dangote refutes these claims, asserting that his products meet high standards and demanding an investigation into the quality of imported fuels. The NMDPRA confirms ongoing tests to verify the refinery's output quality. Meanwhile, Dangote plans to increase the refinery's capacity to 60% by September and reach 550,000 barrels a day by year-end. Despite allegations, Dangote insists that his company received no government incentives and contributes significantly to local value addition.