Dangote Refinery Receives 250,000MT of Crude and Feedstocks Amid Import Clarifications
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has taken delivery of approximately 250,000 metric tonnes of crude oil and intermediate feedstocks at its Lekki terminal this week, according to shipping data from the Nigerian Ports Authority. The imports, including crude oil, cracked gasoline, blended stock, and condensate/naphtha, were carried by vessels such as Seaways Montauk, Mostar, Maersk Trieste, and Ellie M II. Seaways Montauk alone transported 140,187 metric tonnes of crude oil from the United States.
The refinery emphasized that these shipments are strictly feedstocks for refining and blending, not finished petroleum products. Dangote officials explained that as a merchant refinery operating on international best practices, the facility imports crude and intermediate components to optimise secondary processing units. Management dismissed claims that the refinery imports finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), calling such narratives misleading and fueled by “unpatriotic and unscrupulous individuals.”
David Bird, Managing Director of the $20 billion facility, reiterated that the refinery’s model differs from conventional crude-focused refineries. Unlike facilities in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait that rely largely on domestic crude, Dangote sources feedstocks globally by sea. This allows the refinery to process a wide range of crude grades and intermediate products, maximising operational flexibility and refining margins.
The refinery’s statement highlighted that imported materials like high-sulphur reformates, low-RON condensates, and cracked gasoline require further processing before becoming market-ready fuels. By optimising these intermediate streams, the refinery can convert low-value residues into high-value products such as Euro 5-compliant PMS, significantly improving the quality of fuels in Nigeria and reducing reliance on low-grade imports historically used in West Africa.
Dangote reiterated its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic transformation through world-class refining operations. The refinery clarified that all gasoline supplied to the Nigerian market undergoes strict quality checks, ensuring consumers have access to fuel that meets global standards. Bird concluded that the merchant refinery model, already common in Europe and Asia, allows Dangote to maximise value from every barrel while advancing Nigeria’s refining capabilities.
source: punch