The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to reach its full operational capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) within the next 30 days. According to Executive Director Devakumar Edwin, the refinery is currently operating at around 85% capacity, producing diesel, naphtha, jet fuel, and recently adding petrol to its output. This milestone marks a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency for Nigeria.
Despite an agreement with the Nigerian government to purchase crude in local currency, the refinery has faced challenges securing enough domestic crude supply. To address this, it has requested 550,000 bpd from local oil producers for the first half of 2025. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has warned that producers failing to meet their domestic supply obligations may have their export permits blocked.
In an effort to expand its market reach, Dangote Refinery has begun exporting petroleum products. Recently, it shipped two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco, signaling its entry into the global fuel market. Edwin noted that the refinery is considering all potential markets to maximize its output and profitability.
Once fully operational, the refinery is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, a key factor in stabilizing the country’s energy sector. However, sustaining production at full capacity will depend on securing a steady crude supply. Analysts predict that increased local crude sourcing could enhance the refinery’s long-term viability and economic impact.
The completion of the refinery’s ramp-up comes at a crucial time for Nigeria’s energy sector, which has long struggled with fuel import dependency. If Dangote Refinery successfully maintains full production, it could reshape the country’s refining industry, improve fuel availability, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings through exports.
