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Dangote Refinery is set to launch its first petrol shipment today, September 3,
Dangote Refinery is set to launch its first petrol shipment today, September 3,
Dangote refinery set to roll out a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, The refinery has completed testing and is prepared to supply the local market.
This development is expected to alleviate Nigeria’s significant fuel shortages. According to insiders, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited will be the first buyer, with officials already at the Lagos plant ready to take delivery.
CEO Aliko Dangote is present to oversee the launch after several delays. According to Nairametrics, NNPC may become the exclusive purchaser due to its difficulties in meeting international debt obligations.
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The rollout represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, reducing the country’s long-standing reliance on imports. The refinery’s production capacity will not only meet domestic demand but also enable exports to neighboring countries. Nigeria currently consumes about 35 million liters of petrol daily, while the refinery can produce at least 100 million liters per day when fully operational.
Past challenges involving NNPC and international oil companies have been resolved with support from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and other stakeholders. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has facilitated the project, allowing Dangote Refinery to purchase crude oil and sell petrol in local currency, thus relieving pressure on the foreign exchange market.
As shipments commence today, Nigeria is set to transition from being solely a crude oil producer to achieving enhanced energy security and independence. The refinery also marks the complete deregulation of the downstream sector, promoting a more competitive market.
