Dangote Refinery Holds 500 Million Litres of Petrol Amid Plans for Full Production
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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, touted as Africa’s largest, currently holds over 500 million litres of petrol in its reservoirs and is poised to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs while exporting surplus to other African countries, according to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group.
During a tour of the $20 billion Lekki-based facility with Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, Dangote revealed that the refinery is on track to reach its full production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day by next month. With a stockpile valued at N600 billion, the refinery is already producing enough refined products—such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene—to satisfy Nigeria’s demand entirely.
“We can satisfy more than the local needs of Nigeria. As we speak, we have more than half a billion litres of petrol. We have more than N600 billion worth of stocks here today in the refinery,” Dangote stated. He added that Nigeria consumes only 40 per cent of the refinery’s total output, with the remaining 60 per cent earmarked for export.
A Game-Changer for Africa’s Energy Market
The visit from Zambia’s energy minister underscores the growing significance of the Dangote Refinery in stabilising fuel supply across Africa. Chikote expressed interest in collaborating with the refinery to enhance Zambia’s energy security and promote competitive fuel pricing.
“Our nation needs energy security, and the Dangote refinery will be important to make that happen,” Chikote said. He explained that Zambia is working to create an enabling environment for private investment in its energy sector.
Dangote confirmed that discussions are underway with Afreximbank to resolve financing issues related to letters of credit, facilitating easier transactions across African markets. “We are making arrangements with some banks to ensure most products are sold within Africa, making this a truly African refinery,” he noted.
Superior Quality and Strategic Advantages
During the tour, Dangote claimed that no other refinery in Africa—or even Europe—can match the quality of fuel produced at the Lekki facility. “In terms of quality, there is actually no refinery in Africa, even in Europe, that can produce our type of quality. We want to be flexible, as the laws keep changing,” he said, adding that the plant is capable of producing ultra-low sulphur fuel with a sulphur content as low as zero parts per million.
The refinery’s strategic location near the sea is another advantage, according to Vice President of the Dangote Group, Davakumar Edwin. “Our location close to the sea provides a logistical advantage, allowing us to efficiently export excess fuel,” he explained.
Local and Global Impact
The refinery is currently operating at about 85 per cent capacity, producing 550,000 barrels per day. It supplies 33 million litres of petrol for daily local consumption, with the rest exported. The facility also produces 20 million litres of jet fuel and 37 million litres of diesel each day.
This surge in local production has contributed to a significant drop in Nigeria’s fuel imports, disrupting the global fuel market. According to S&P Global, Nigeria’s gasoline imports fell to an all-time low in January 2025, thanks to increased output from the Dangote Refinery.
Boosting Intra-African Trade
Dangote reiterated his vision for the refinery to serve as a catalyst for intra-African trade. “This refinery is not only for Nigeria; it is for Africa. We must sustain the African Continental Free Trade Area deal. We are trying to see how we trade with other African countries,” he said.
Chikote echoed this sentiment, urging African nations to collaborate on energy solutions. “We need to promote trade within Africa to support each other. We must make Africa efficient and a reliable trade hub,” he stated.
As the Dangote Refinery moves closer to full capacity, it is set to reshape not just Nigeria’s energy landscape but also the broader African fuel market, reducing dependency on imports and boosting local economies.
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