In a strategic move aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and achieving energy self-sufficiency, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals plant has successfully acquired one million barrels of Agbami Crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO).
The purchase signifies a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s fuel supply challenges and supporting the West African region. Dangote Refinery’s statement revealed that the acquired STASCO cargo, comprising one million barrels from Agbami, was discharged into the refinery’s crude oil tanks at the Single Point Mooring (SPM).
This procurement is part of the initial phase of a larger plan involving the supply of six million barrels of crude oil to Dangote Petroleum Refinery from various suppliers. The first million barrels are crucial for sustaining the initial processing capacity of 350,000 barrels per day at the facility.
The next four cargoes are scheduled to be supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) within the next two to three weeks, with the final cargo to be provided by ExxonMobil. These supplies will facilitate the refinery’s initial operations, kick-starting the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG, followed by the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Designed to process 100% Nigerian crude and other African, Middle Eastern, and global crude grades, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery boasts a daily processing capacity of 650,000 barrels. It has the capability to meet the entirety of Nigeria’s refined product requirements, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel, with surpluses for export.
The refinery’s infrastructure includes a self-sufficient marine facility, featuring two SPMs for crude intake and three separate SPMs for discharging petroleum products. Additionally, the facility can load 2,900 trucks daily at its truck loading gantries. All products from the refinery adhere to Euro V specifications and comply with international emission standards.
Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, expressed delight at achieving this significant milestone and emphasized the company’s focus on ramping up the refinery to its full capacity in the coming months. The refinery’s successful initiation was also praised by Osagie Okunbor, the Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, highlighting the positive impact on local and regional fuel production.
