The Dangote Oil Refinery, currently operating at 85 per cent capacity, is expected to reach full operational capacity within the next 30 days, according to its management.
The 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery began producing diesel, naphtha, and jet fuel in January last year and started refining petrol in September. However, it has faced challenges securing sufficient local crude supplies, leading it to import crude to maintain operations.
According to the refinery’s head, Edwin Devakumar, the plant is on track to reach 100 per cent production soon. Last year, despite an agreement with the Nigerian government to buy crude in naira, it struggled to obtain enough supply from local producers. In response, the government has warned oil companies that failure to meet their supply quotas for local refineries could result in export permit restrictions.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery is expanding its market reach for refined products. Founder Aliko Dangote revealed during a visit from Nigerian professionals that the refinery has begun exporting jet fuel, with two cargoes sent to Saudi Aramco. Devakumar added that the company is actively exploring more international markets for its products.
