Dangote refinery considers exporting all fuel amid import licence dispute
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is threatening to export all its petrol, diesel, and jet fuel output, raising concerns about possible fuel scarcity in Nigeria. This move follows ongoing disputes over the issuance of fuel import licences by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). While the NMDPRA insists no new licences have been issued this year, Dangote Group officials claim otherwise and cite recent approvals for several marketers. The situation has attracted interest from other African countries seeking to secure fuel supplies from the refinery.
TLDR
- The Dangote refinery may export all its fuel products due to continued issuance of import licences by the NMDPRA, which the refinery says undermines local refining.
- NMDPRA denies granting new import licences this year, stating that current imports are based on licences from the last quarter of 2025.
- South Africa and other African nations are actively seeking fuel supply contracts with Dangote amid global supply disruptions.
- Industry experts warn that exporting all Dangote output could trigger fuel shortages and price hikes in Nigeria.
- Stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, urge the government to prioritise domestic refining and suspend further import licences.
