*Blames NUPRC over reluctance to enforce domestic crude supply obligation
WorldStage Newsonline– Dangote Refinery has reacted to reports alleging that it has backtracked by acknowledging that NNPC supplied about 60% of the 50 million barrels we lifted, saying it never accused NNPC of not supplying us with crude.
A statement signed by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief, Branding and Communications Officer for Dangote group said the organisation concern had always been The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s reluctance to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation and ensure that it receive full crude requirement from NNPC and the International Oil Companies (IOCs).
“For September, our requirement is 15 cargoes, of which NNPC allocated six. Despite appealing to NUPRC, we’ve been unable to secure the remaining cargoes,” the statement said.
“When we approached IOCs producing in Nigeria, they redirected us to their international trading arms or responded that their cargoes were committed.
“Consequently, we often purchase the same Nigerian crude from international traders at an additional $3-$4 premium per barrel which translates to $3-$4 million per cargo
“We therefore still insist that we are unable to secure our full crude requirement from domestic production and urge NUPRC to fully enforce the domestic crude supply obligation as mandated by the PIA.”
