Several liquefied petroleum gas plants have remained closed for more than eight weeks after Nigerian regulators detected unusually high propane levels in product supplied to them, prompting operators to accuse the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority of making them scapegoats while the alleged source of the product continues to operate.
Affected operators told SaharaReporters they are struggling to service loans, pay staff salaries and meet other financial obligations amid the prolonged shutdowns. They identified Sublime Oil and Gas Limited, a major off-taker from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as the source of the propane that later became the subject of regulatory scrutiny.
“From what I understand, the depot owner can call the Presidency, and it appears they are now trying to use us as a scapegoat,” one source said. “Some plants have been shut down for over eight weeks, with no consideration for the outstanding loans, staff salaries, and other liabilities.”
The closures form part of a wider dispute between the NMDPRA and Dangote Refinery that is now before the Federal High Court in Lagos. A senior NMDPRA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the regulator received reports of possible propane adulteration and launched investigations after tests at LPG outlets showed propane content significantly above expected levels.
LPG is typically produced by blending propane and butane in specified ratios. The official said elevated propane levels raise safety concerns because of the gas’s greater volatility and potential for explosion. Investigators traced the product through the supply chain and directed producers to halt propane loading pending further checks.
The official stressed that the probe does not automatically establish fault on the part of any single producer. “I can’t say this is coming from a particular producer. You know, the producer may not be the one that produced off-spec propane,” he said. He explained that producers supply propane to off-takers, who are expected to deliver it to licensed blending facilities. Any diversion or improper blending could introduce non-specification product into the market.
In court filings, the NMDPRA stated that laboratory tests on samples from three plants—Selai, Tewa and Ameego Pago showed propane content above 50 per cent. Industry standards limit propane to no more than 20 per cent of an LPG blend, with butane making up the balance. Representatives of the three plants named Sublime Oil and Gas as their supplier.
The regulator further alleged that its officials were denied access when they sought to inspect propane-loading operations and records at the Dangote Refinery on 24 August 2026. It subsequently issued a notice of potential non-compliance and directed the suspension of propane loading and truck-out operations.
NMDPRA also reported discrepancies in truck-out records. It said Sublime Oil and Gas lifted 25 trucks of propane from the refinery on 20 and 22 August for delivery to Navgas/Agasco, yet Navgas confirmed receiving only six. Another off-taker was said to have loaded 52 trucks between May and August 2026 for the same destination, none of which Navgas reported receiving. The regulator linked these alleged diversions to safety risks arising from unauthorised blending outside approved specifications.
Dangote Refinery has challenged the regulatory actions in court. On 31 August, Justice Akintayo Aluko granted an interim order restraining the NMDPRA from entering, sealing, shutting down or otherwise interfering with the refinery’s operations. The order was later extended. The regulator has applied for the order to be discharged, arguing it was obtained through misrepresentation and that the court lacked jurisdiction. Dangote, in turn, has accused the authority of abusing its powers.
While the legal battle continues, operators of the affected downstream plants say they remain shut and are seeking clarity on the specific findings against their facilities, the identity of those responsible for the high-propane product, and the rationale for concentrating enforcement action on them while the depot they identified as the source continues to function.
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