Dangote Refinery Set to Export First Petrol Cargo to Asia, Signaling Global Expansion
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refining facility, is preparing for its first gasoline export beyond Africa, with a cargo of 90,000 metric tonnes scheduled for shipment to Asia on June 22. The shipment will be handled by independent oil trader Mercuria, marking a major milestone since the refinery began commercial operations. Until now, its fuel exports have been limited to the West African region. According to a Dangote spokesperson, the refinery sells to the highest bidder, with destination choices left to the buyers.
Industry experts interpret this move as a strategic shift in Dangote’s commercial approach, suggesting the refinery is positioning itself to compete in the global market. The export to Asia reflects rising confidence in the refinery’s product quality and reliability. It also indicates readiness to serve not just regional but international demand as well. The development underscores the growing global importance of the refinery in the international energy market.
Operational since early 2024, the Dangote Refinery has a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, making it not just the largest in Africa but one of the largest in the world. Initially, it focused on producing diesel and naphtha in January 2024 before expanding to gasoline production by September. Its capacity is projected to meet Nigeria’s entire refined petroleum product needs, with additional output available for export.
A critical factor in the refinery’s output strategy has been its increasing purchase of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude. WTI is favored for its higher yield of reformate, which enhances gasoline blending. Analysts, including Randy Hurburun of Energy Aspects, note that this technical edge supports the refinery’s gasoline production goals and international competitiveness.
Commenting on the Asia-bound export, Clementine Wallop of Horizon Engage highlighted the refinery’s growing global relevance. She emphasized that this move reflects both confidence in the refinery’s stability and its readiness to meet Nigeria’s domestic needs while expanding its footprint internationally. The refinery’s consistent performance appears to be laying the groundwork for long-term participation in the global energy trade.
Source: Punch