Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals have taken a substantial leap in enhancing Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and achieving energy self-sufficiency by acquiring one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO). As a key player in global oil trading, STASCO transported the cargo to Dangote Refinery’s Single Point Mooring (SPM), where it was efficiently discharged into the refinery’s crude oil tanks.
This initial million-barrel shipment marks the first phase of the planned six million barrels to be delivered to Dangote Petroleum Refinery from various suppliers. This supply will support the initial processing capacity of 350,000 barrels per day at the facility. The subsequent four shipments, expected within two to three weeks, will be provided by NNPC, with the final cargo in this series supplied by ExxonMobil.
The refinery, designed for 100% Nigerian crude but adaptable to process other varieties, boasts a daily processing capacity of 650,000 barrels. It can handle a diverse range of crudes, including African grades, Middle Eastern Arab Light, US Light tight oil, and crudes from various other nations. Dangote Petroleum Refinery is poised not only to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for refined products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel but also to generate surpluses for export.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, expressed his satisfaction with this significant milestone, emphasizing the country’s capability to execute and deliver large-scale projects. Looking ahead, the focus is on elevating the refinery to its full operational capacity, with anticipation for the next milestone of delivering the first batch of refined products to the Nigerian market.
Osagie Okunbor, the Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, welcomed the refinery’s commencement, highlighting its strategic role in producing essential fuels for Nigeria and West Africa. Shell is pleased to contribute to this venture, enabling the production of gasoline, diesel, and low-sulfur fuels for the region.