Nigeria Dangote Refinery Boosts Flexibility with Second Shipment of US Crude

Dangote Refinery has increased its stock of imported crude oil from the United States, with a second shipment of US light sweet crude oil en route to Nigeria.

According to ship tracking data and traders, the vessel named Otis loaded approximately 850,000 barrels of WTI Midland in Houston, signaling its destination as Lekki, Nigeria. The estimated arrival in mid-March aligns with the refinery's efforts to diversify its crude sources.

The first shipment, comprising two million barrels of US crude on the very large crude carrier Gem No. 1, chartered by Vitol, is expected to discharge next week. Vitol also chartered the Otis vessel, marking a strategic move for Dangote Refinery in broadening its crude oil suppliers.

Africa's largest refinery, boasting a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, initiated crude purchases in December 2023, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL) being the primary supplier.

This marks a shift as Dangote Refinery, owned by Aliko Dangote, begins to diversify its crude sources beyond the Nigerian market.

Earlier tenders by the refinery to sell two fuel cargoes for export indicate a strategic approach to its operations.

Notably, this marks the first instance of Dangote Refinery procuring non-Nigerian crude, as it positions itself for increased operational flexibility and efficiency.