After overcoming initial delays caused by crude oil shortages, Dangote Oil Refinery has begun processing petrol, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.
According to Devakumar Edwin, Vice President at Dangote Industries Limited, the refinery is currently testing the petrol product, which will soon be available for distribution.
In an exclusive arrangement, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd will purchase the refinery’s entire petrol output, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s fuel supply.
If demand is insufficient, the refinery plans to export the excess petrol, following the successful exportation of aviation jet fuel and diesel.
The introduction of Dangote Refinery’s petrol is expected to alleviate some of the supply challenges faced by NNPC, which has accumulated a $6 billion debt to oil traders since January.
This debt has severely impacted NNPC’s ability to meet domestic fuel demands, resulting in persistent fuel queues and price surges since July.
As Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports has long been a concern.
The Dangote Refinery’s petrol production is crucial to addressing this issue, potentially transforming the country’s energy landscape.
