NNPC raises crude supply to Dangote refinery to seven cargoes — Sources

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has increased crude oil allocation to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals to seven cargoes for May loading, in a move aimed at boosting local fuel production.

Industry sources told Reuters that the new allocation represents an increase from the five cargoes previously supplied monthly, although the refinery is expected to receive five cargoes for April.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company is allocating seven crude cargoes for May loading to Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, up from the five it received in previous months,” the sources said.

The development comes amid rising fuel prices and supply pressures, with the refinery reportedly struggling to secure sufficient crude locally.

“Fuel prices in Nigeria have reached record highs, and Dangote has previously said the company could source only about five crude cargoes a month locally, far short of the 13–15 it requires,” the sources added.

Officials of both the national oil company and the refinery declined to comment on the development as of the time of filing this report.

However, industry insiders indicated that the move aligns with ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen domestic refining capacity.

A senior official at the national oil company said, “Leveraging our global crude trading network, we are sourcing third-party crude for the refinery at prices that are competitive with prevailing international market rates.”

The official added that the company remained committed to supporting local refining.

“As the national oil company entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s energy security, NNPC Limited remains fully committed to supporting domestic refining, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery,” the source said.

Despite the increase, the refinery still faces a supply gap, as it requires between 13 and 15 cargoes monthly to operate at full capacity, forcing it to rely partly on imported crude.

Analysts say sustained crude supply will be critical to stabilising fuel prices, improving energy security, and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.