Dangote Refinery Set to Begin Petrol Production in July

The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, has confirmed that the Dangote oil refinery will commence petrol production in July as planned. Edwin made this announcement during a tour of the facility by officials from S&P Global over the weekend.
Edwin emphasized the company’s goal to stimulate industrial development, job creation, and economic growth by utilizing Africa’s abundant crude oil resources to produce refined products locally. “As earlier promised, the company will start the production of Premium Motor Spirit this month,” he stated.
He assured that the refinery’s products meet international standards and can fulfil 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel, with excess export capacity.
S&P Global noted that the Dangote refinery could alleviate Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges by eliminating the need for fuel importation, which places significant pressure on the local Naira currency. The visit to the refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, was part of S&P Global’s sovereign credit ratings assessment of Nigeria, accompanied by officials from the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Ravi Bhatia, Director and Lead Analyst for Sovereign and International Public Finance Ratings at S&P Global, highlighted the refinery’s potential to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products. He said, “It is a very impressive facility, able to process 650,000 barrels a day, when in full capacity. It is the largest single-train refinery complex in the world.”
Bhatia explained that refining crude oil within Nigeria could save money and foreign exchange, offering positive economic prospects in the medium term.
The S&P team praised Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, for integrating advanced technologies and quality control measures, including a state-of-the-art Central Control Unit that ensures smooth automation of operations.
Currently, the refinery operates at a capacity of 350,000 barrels per day, with plans to scale up to at least 500,000 barrels per day by July/August, beginning the refining of petrol and ultra-low sulphur diesel. Edwin noted that the refinery is designed to process a variety of crudes, including African, Middle Eastern, and US Light Oil, and conforms to Euro V specifications.
Edwin highlighted that the refinery, designed and built by a Nigerian company as its own Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, incorporates a self-sufficient marine facility capable of handling the world’s largest vessels. “The refinery can produce the best quality products in the world, Euro V grade. It is one of the energy-efficient refineries and it is highly environmentally friendly,” he said.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, showcasing the capability of a local company to design, engineer, and construct the world’s largest single-train refinery complex.