Dangote Refinery Prepares for January Debut of Diesel and JetA1, Petrol Production Delayed

Nigeria’s highly anticipated Dangote Petroleum Refinery is gearing up to commence production of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and JetA1 (aviation fuel) in January 2024. However, the production of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) is experiencing delays due to the supply of crude oil in installments.

The massive $20 billion refinery, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, boasts a daily crude oil refining capacity of 650,000 barrels and is situated in the Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Despite the facility’s colossal capabilities, it faces a setback as it awaits a minimum of six million barrels of crude oil to initiate full-scale production of various refined products, including AGO, PMS, Jet A1, and kerosene. Unfortunately, last week, the refinery only received one million barrels, with the remaining five million expected in five separate installments.

Acknowledging the milestone, the management confirmed the receipt of one million barrels of crude oil, emphasizing its significance in kick-starting the production of diesel and aviation fuel. The official clarified that PMS, kerosene, and other products would follow as additional crude cargoes are acquired.

The refinery’s statement noted that the one million barrels, purchased from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited, represented the first phase of a total six million barrels to be supplied. This initial supply aims to sustain the initial processing of 350,000 barrels per day.

According to the official, Nigerians can expect diesel and aviation fuel in January, followed by other refined products as more crude cargoes are secured. This development is anticipated to play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s fuel supply challenges and benefitting West African countries.

Dangote Refinery, with its focus on energy security and self-sufficiency, is designed to meet 100 percent of Nigeria’s refined product requirements and has the flexibility to process various crude grades.

The facility’s attributes, including a total of 177 tanks with a cumulative capacity of 4.74 billion liters and a dedicated power plant generating 435 megawatts, underscore its potential impact on the nation’s energy landscape.

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola commended the refinery’s role in championing energy security and independence for Nigeria. He expressed optimism about the economic transformation it promises for the country and the subcontinent.

As the Dangote Refinery inches closer to full-scale production, expectations are high for the facility to significantly impact Nigeria’s energy landscape and contribute to economic prosperity.