The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has achieved a major milestone by increasing its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), exceeding its official nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd.
The development was confirmed following a performance test conducted by the refinery’s process licensors, underscoring the facility’s operational efficiency and robust engineering design. The achievement further strengthens the refinery’s status as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, the refinery’s Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina, described the feat as a reflection of the plant’s strong technical capabilities and commitment to operational excellence.
Speaking on the achievement, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, disclosed that the company is now targeting an expansion of the refinery’s processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next 30 months.
According to Edwin, the ambitious expansion plan is designed to position the refinery among the largest refining facilities globally while enhancing Nigeria’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
He noted that the refinery’s long-term strategy extends beyond meeting local demand, with plans to establish Nigeria as a major exporter of refined petroleum products to markets across Africa and the world.
Owned by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, the refinery commenced fuel production in 2024 and has steadily increased output of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other refined products.
The facility currently supplies both domestic and international markets, exporting products to several African nations as well as European countries including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. It has also exported gasoline to the United States and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia.
Edwin said the refinery has become a key stabilising force in the global energy market, particularly amid supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As a result, several African countries now depend on the refinery to support their energy needs.
The refinery’s growing global influence was further highlighted in April when S&P Global Commodities Insights reported it as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel.
Industry observers say the refinery has significantly improved fuel availability in Nigeria, reduced reliance on imports, and helped ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Its continued expansion aligns with national efforts to boost local refining capacity, maximise value from Nigeria’s crude oil resources, and strengthen the country’s position in the global energy market.
Rising production levels have also attracted increased interest from international crude suppliers and commodity traders, with the refinery sourcing feedstock from both local and foreign producers.
Looking ahead, the proposed expansion to 1.4 million bpd by 2028 is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial activity, improved trade balances, and stronger support for downstream manufacturing.
The refinery is also expected to increase the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), polypropylene, and other industrial feedstocks used in the production of consumer goods and packaging materials. Future plans further include the production of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), a critical raw material for detergent manufacturing.
The latest milestone marks another significant step in the refinery’s journey to becoming a leading global refining hub and a cornerstone of Africa’s energy future.
DAILYNIGERIAN