The Dangote Petroleum Refinery marked another milestone on Monday as it received its fourth shipment of one million barrels of bonny light crude oil from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited. This significant development brings the $20 billion refinery closer to its operational phase, with expectations of refined products hitting the market in the coming month.
According to a statement from the company, the latest one million barrels of crude represents the fourth consignment out of a total of six million barrels expected by the world’s largest single-train refinery. The refinery, situated in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, had earlier received three shipments, and officials anticipate the arrival of the fifth shipment shortly.
Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Akin Omole, shared insights into the refinery’s progress, stating that it would receive around four million crude oil shipments before the end of 2023. The remaining two shipments are expected in early January 2024, positioning the refinery to commence production.
Once the entire six million barrels are delivered, the refinery will initiate its first run, focusing on the production of refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), aviation fuel (JetA1), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Subsequent phases will include the production of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
With a massive capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery is poised to meet 100% of Nigeria’s refined petroleum product needs, including petrol, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel. Additionally, the refinery plans to export surplus products.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, expressed delight at reaching this significant milestone, emphasizing its importance for the country’s ability to develop and deliver large-scale projects. He outlined the focus on ramping up the refinery to full capacity in the coming months, eagerly anticipating the delivery of the first batch of products to the Nigerian market. The Dangote Refinery’s progress represents a major stride in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products and economic development.