Nigeria Dangote Refinery to Start Petrol Supply by Mid-July After Minor Delay

Aliko Dangote announced that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will begin petrol supply by mid-July after a minor delay. Initial production was slated for June, aiming to end Nigeria's fuel imports. Talks are ongoing with international oil companies to ensure domestic crude oil supply obligations are met.

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest person, has announced that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will begin supplying petrol in July, following a minor delay. Speaking at the inauguration of the Dangote Sinotruk West Africa's completely knocked-down (CKD) plant in Lagos on June 9, Dangote updated the refinery’s timeline. Initially, he had stated that petrol production would start in June, aiming to eliminate Nigeria's need for fuel imports. However, Dangote clarified that petrol would now be available in the downstream market by July 15.

“We experienced a slight delay, but petrol will start being produced between July 10 and 15. We will initially store it to ensure quality before distribution,” Dangote said. “By the third week of July, we’ll be ready to supply the market.”

On June 3, Dangote mentioned that international oil companies (IOCs) were having difficulties supplying crude oil to his refinery. In response, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) stated on June 5 that they are in talks with the IOCs to ensure they fulfill domestic crude oil supply obligations.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a major project aimed at increasing Nigeria's fuel self-sufficiency, is seen as a game-changer for the country's economy. Despite several delays, the refinery’s operation is expected to drastically reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported fuel, stabilize the domestic market, and potentially lower fuel prices. The anticipated start of petrol supply in July is a significant milestone, eagerly awaited by both the industry and consumers.