Dangote Refinery Makes Historic First Gasoline Export to U.S., Expands Global Reach

Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has marked a significant milestone by exporting its first gasoline shipment to the United States, signaling its growing influence in the global petroleum market. According to trade data from Kpler, the vessel Gemini Pearl loaded approximately 300,000 barrels of gasoline at Dangote’s port on August 26, with an expected discharge at either New York or New Jersey. While the refinery has yet to officially confirm the export, market watchers note this as a landmark for Nigerian gasoline in the U.S. market.

This shipment follows previous exports to the East, with Dangote Refinery sending three LR2 cargoes in June and July, two to the Middle East Gulf and one to Singapore. Analysts suggest that the latest U.S.-bound shipment may be motivated by rising gasoline prices along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and declining local inventories, creating lucrative arbitrage opportunities for Nigerian oil traders. A trading firm, possibly Vitol, is believed to have chartered the vessel, although this has not been officially confirmed.

Despite this success, the refinery continues to export low-sulphur straight-run fuel oil, hinting that its Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit is operating at around 45–50% capacity. The RFCC unit experienced a temporary shutdown in August for 10–15 days and has since resumed operations. However, market sources indicate ongoing operational challenges, including high metals content in the feedstock, which may impact efficiency and output.

Beyond business developments, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote reflected on his journey to success, emphasizing that he built his empire without relying on inherited wealth. In a resurfaced interview with Bloomberg, Dangote revealed that while his family, the Dantatas, were historically wealthy, he chose to start from scratch. “One thing that I’m very, very proud of is that I did not inherit any money from my father. I built everything from scratch to where I am,” he stated, highlighting his entrepreneurial drive.

Dangote recounted starting his career working briefly with his uncle before venturing into Lagos’ cement trade, a low-key beginning that laid the foundation for his business empire. He explained, “Cement is what builds infrastructure, and we need a lot of infrastructure,” underlining his vision of contributing to Nigeria’s economic development while scaling his business globally. The refinery’s U.S. gasoline export reinforces this vision, positioning Dangote Refinery as a competitive player on the international stage.

Source: The guardian