Dangote refinery exports surplus petrol as Nigeria becomes net exporter
Aliko Dangote’s refinery exported a significant volume of petrol after exceeding local demand. The facility has quickly become the main supplier of refined petroleum products in Nigeria. Recent data highlights a shift in the country’s downstream sector, with Nigeria moving from a heavy reliance on imports to exporting refined products. The refinery’s growing influence is also being felt in other African markets.
TLDR
- The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exported about 434 million litres of petrol in March 2026 after producing a total of 1.49 billion litres that month.
- Only 1.06 billion litres were supplied to the domestic market, with the rest exported, marking Nigeria’s first time as a net exporter of gasoline.
- The refinery operated at an average capacity utilisation of 93.62 per cent and shipped gasoline to East Africa, including a 317,000-barrel cargo to Mozambique.
- State-owned refineries remained mostly dormant, while modular refineries contributed marginally to the country’s fuel supply in March 2026.
- Analysts note that sustaining crude supply, improving distribution, and reviving state-owned refineries are key to maximising the benefits of increased domestic refining.
