Dangote urges NNPCL, marketers to stop importing fuel…says, “we have enough to end queues
The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as well as petroleum marketers to stop importing petrol but source it directly from Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL) to meet local demands.
Dangote who confirmed the refinery’s readiness to supply fuel, expressed delight that it had adequate quantity in stock.
“We are more than ready,” he assured State House correspondents.
He stated this on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
According to the DRL boss, the refinery had the capacity to produce over 30 million litres of fuel daily full blast.
He disclosed that it currently had 500 million litres in reserve enough to supply the country for over 12 days without importation.
“So I am expecting either NNPC or the marketers to stop importing; they should come and pick because we have what they need. And you know, as they move, I will be pumping,” he said.
While expressing concern about fuel scarcity in the country, he said: “Well, on the streets, 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? That’s something that I can do.
“I don’t know whether you understand what it takes to keep a billion litres inside our tank. It’s costing me money every day. If I can collect the naira, I can charge somebody 32% in interest. So right now, that’s what I’m losing.
“And you are talking about 500 million, you know, I mean, we don’t print money. But the issue is that if they come and collect then you will not see any queues in the filling stations.”
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