The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, valued at $20 billion, has initiated the sale of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) to oil marketers across Nigeria. According to dealers and officials of the plant, diesel sales commenced last week, with promises of releasing aviation fuel in the near future.
Abubakar Maigandi, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, confirmed the start of diesel sales and anticipated a reduction in diesel prices due to the refinery’s operations. He noted that diesel prices have already begun to decline in Lagos.
A senior management official of the refinery also verified the sale of diesel to marketers and hinted at the impending release of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) into the market.
The Dangote Refinery has encountered challenges in bringing refined products to the market despite being inaugurated in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Regulatory approvals have been cited as the primary hurdle, delaying the release of products such as aviation fuel and diesel.
While the refinery had announced the commencement of diesel and aviation fuel production in January 2024, regulatory hurdles have prolonged the process. Aliko Dangote expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, regulatory agencies, and Nigerians for their support in the project’s realization.