Dangote Refinery Launches 24-Hour Petrol Loading to Strengthen Nigeria’s Fuel Supply
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially launched 24-hour petrol loading operations, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s largest refinery. This move aims to sustain a daily supply of more than 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) across Nigeria, ensuring uninterrupted distribution to meet growing market demand. Originally designed for daytime operations, the facility now runs round-the-clock to match rising production with consistent offtake.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Managing Director David Bird said the shift to night-time loading was critical to improving turnaround times for product evacuation. “We’re already doing nighttime loading, so it’s a full 24-hour operation. Over a thousand trucks now move daily through our gates and gantries,” Bird explained, highlighting the refinery’s logistics improvements and operational efficiency.
Bird also emphasized that high output is only meaningful when matched with efficient distribution. He noted that the refinery’s flexible system allows for individual units to undergo maintenance without disrupting the daily supply of over 50 million litres. This operational resilience, he said, positions the refinery to stabilize Nigeria’s fuel market and respond to fluctuating domestic demand.
The refinery’s flexibility extends beyond local supply, with the ability to produce petrol from crude, intermediate feedstocks, or blending components. Bird stressed that this capacity enables Dangote Refinery to maintain export standards while prioritizing domestic needs. The refinery now delivers cleaner, Euro V-compliant fuels, helping Nigeria transition from fuel scarcity to abundance and challenging West Africa’s history of substandard petroleum imports.
Highlighting the broader economic impact, Bird said reliable domestic production ensures price stability and reduces exposure to global market volatility. “Having a lower price and abundant supply stimulates demand, supports economic activity, and strengthens fuel security nationwide,” he said. The refinery’s commitment to 24-hour operations underscores its role in maintaining a stable fuel supply and supporting Nigeria’s energy and economic growth.
source: punch