Dangote refinery says begun fuel exports in Africa

Dangote Refinery has begun exporting fuel to other African countries following a surge in global oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The three-week-long war has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global supply route, forcing countries to take measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.

The refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, announced late Sunday that it had sold 12 cargoes totaling 456,000 tonnes of fuel to several African countries, including Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana and Togo.
Located near Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, the refinery has a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. According to a statement, this capacity allows it “to not only meet but exceed Nigeria’s domestic fuel demands.”

The company added that by supplying fuel to neighbouring and regional economies, the refinery is expected to strengthen energy security across West, East and Central Africa.

A spokesperson for the refinery told AFP that the primary driver behind the export decision was the Middle East conflict, noting a sharp increase in demand from other countries.

“We have demands even out of Africa, especially for jet fuel,” the spokesperson said, without providing further details.

In Nigeria, Africa’s leading oil producer, petrol prices have surged in recent weeks, rising from about 830 naira per litre in Lagos to over 1,300 naira per litre.

At the onset of the conflict, Dangote had pledged to prioritise local supply to prevent shortages and stabilise prices.

Before the refinery began operations in 2024, Nigeria relied heavily on fuel imports, with recurring shortages affecting supply across the country.

TNAM
Edited By Egwu Patience Nnennaya.