September 8, 2025-Published by Cyril
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly denied reports suggesting it plans to shut down its petrol unit for up to three months. The clarification comes after Reuters cited industry monitor IIR Energy, which claimed the refinery’s 204,000 barrels-per-day Residue Fluidised Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU) was shut following catalyst leaks.
Reacting to the report, Anthony Chiejina, Group Head of Corporate Communications at Dangote Industries Limited, dismissed the story as “fake news.” He questioned the credibility of the claims, asking why the report used speculative language such as “could” if there was certainty.
Dangote Refinery’s Global Impact
Since commencing operations in January 2024, the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery has significantly disrupted international fuel trade. Exports of gasoline from the European Union and the United Kingdom to Nigeria dropped from an average of 200,000 bpd in 2024 to about 120,000 bpd in the first half of 2025, according to Kpler data.
In a major milestone, the refinery recently shipped two gasoline cargoes to the United States East Coast, with deliveries expected in New York later this month—marking the first time Nigerian-produced fuel is meeting US market standards.
The refinery aims to ramp up production capacity to 700,000 bpd by December 2025, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a global refining hub.
Crude Supply Dynamics
Despite its progress, the refinery has repeatedly highlighted challenges in sourcing local crude oil. In July 2025, crude deliveries surged to a record-high 570,000 bpd, with 60% sourced from the United States and 40% from Nigerian grades such as Amenam, Bonny Light, and Escravos.
This marks the first time US crude overtook Nigerian supply in Dangote’s operations, a shift attributed to the refinery’s flexibility and the competitive pricing of WTI crude. Dangote also imported Ghana’s Sankofa crude for the first time in August, expanding its feedstock mix to include Brazilian Mero, Tupi, and Angolan Pazflor.
Industry analysts estimate the refinery is currently running at about 445,000 bpd (68% of capacity), up from 400,000 bpd (60% of capacity) earlier in the year. Throughput is expected to remain steady, with a slight dip projected during the December–January maintenance window.
HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!
Strategic Outlook
The Federal Government has urged increased domestic crude production to meet the refinery’s feedstock needs and ensure energy security. According to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, Nigeria must boost production not only for local demand but also for export competitiveness.
With its scale, flexibility, and growing global reach, the Dangote Refinery continues to redefine Nigeria’s role in the international oil market, even as it battles misinformation about its operations.
NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, bringing you the latest Nigerian news on politics, economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates. Including sports across Nigeria and beyond…
Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!
