Dangote Refinery boosts fuel supply, easing import pressure

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Nigeria’s largest private refinery, said on Thursday that it has sufficient capacity to meet domestic fuel demand while maintaining sizeable supply buffers across key petroleum products, as efforts continue to stabilise the downstream market.

Also read: Dangote Refinery raises petrol price as festive cut ends

In a statement issued in Lagos, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it can supply up to 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit daily, compared with Nigeria’s estimated consumption of about 50 million litres.

The company added that it is also able to produce 25 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil per day, well above national demand of roughly 14 million litres, and up to 20 million litres of aviation fuel daily, far exceeding estimated domestic needs.

The refinery said the excess volumes are intended to provide a critical buffer against supply disruptions, reduce dependence on fuel imports and improve overall market stability during periods of peak demand.

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery said the facility is capable of supplying petroleum products that meet the highest international quality standards, noting that the scale of operations allows it to support both routine consumption and contingency requirements.

According to the company, surplus capacity strengthens inventory cover and enhances the resilience of Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, limiting the need for emergency imports and easing pressure on foreign exchange.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it remains fully compliant with regulatory requirements and continues to work closely with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to support orderly downstream operations and national energy security goals.

The company added that its engagement with marketers and other stakeholders is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of local refining, including reliable supply and improved market discipline, are passed on to consumers over time.

The statement follows a recent increase in the refinery’s gantry price of petrol to N799 per litre from N699.

The adjustment places the gantry price above the estimated landing cost of imported fuel and has triggered higher pump prices at several filling stations.

Market checks showed that some outlets raised petrol prices to about N839 per litre after the adjustment.

The refinery also confirmed that marketers who had processed loading documents at the earlier price were required to pay the difference before lifting products, following the withdrawal of temporary festive price support.

Also read: Dangote Refinery petrol price sparks long queues at MRS filling stations

Industry analysts said the strong supply position outlined by the refinery underscores its growing influence in Nigeria’s downstream sector, even as pricing dynamics continue to attract scrutiny from consumers and regulators.

Peculiar Adirika