Dangote Refinery Increases Processing Capacity To 700,000 Bpd

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has increased its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), surpassing its official nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd.

The achievement was confirmed during a performance test conducted by the refinery’s process licensors, marking a major milestone in the facility’s operational growth.

The development further strengthens the refinery’s position as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, the Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina, said the increase reflects the refinery’s strong engineering design and operational efficiency.

Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said the refinery plans to expand its capacity further to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next 30 months.

According to him, the long-term goal is to position the facility among the largest refineries globally.

Edwin noted that the expansion would enhance Nigeria’s energy security, eliminate dependence on imported petroleum products, and strengthen the country’s position as a major exporter of refined fuel.

He added that the refinery’s vision goes beyond domestic demand, aiming to serve as a leading refining hub for Africa and global markets.

Owned by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, the refinery began fuel production in 2024 and has steadily increased output of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other petroleum products.

It currently supplies both local and international markets, exporting to several African countries as well as destinations in Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. It has also supplied gasoline to the United States and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia.

The refinery has been described as a stabilising force in the energy sector, particularly amid global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Industry stakeholders say several African countries now rely on the facility to support their energy security needs.

In April, Dangote Petroleum Refinery was reported by S&P Global Commodities as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel, underscoring its growing influence in global energy markets.

The refinery has also helped improve fuel availability in Nigeria, reducing dependence on imports and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Its expansion aligns with national efforts to boost local refining capacity and maximise value from Nigeria’s crude oil resources.

Rising production levels have attracted increased interest from international crude suppliers and commodity traders, with the refinery sourcing feedstock from both local and foreign producers.

Looking ahead, Aliko Dangote has outlined plans to expand capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028.

The expansion is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial activity, and improved trade balance.

It will also support downstream manufacturing through a steady supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), polypropylene, and other industrial feedstocks used in packaging and consumer goods production.

Future plans include the production of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), a key raw material used in detergent manufacturing.