Nigeria: Dangote Refinery Receives First Crude Cargo

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals plant, a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector, has acquired 1 million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO). This strategic move aims to bolster Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and achieve energy security, aligning with Dangote’s commitment to advancing the nation’s self-sufficiency in the energy sector.

The cargo from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), comprising 1 million barrels of Agbami crude, was efficiently offloaded at Dangote Refinery’s Single Point Mooring (SPM). The successful discharge into the refinery’s crude oil tanks underscores a strategic step towards enhancing Dangote’s refining capabilities and contributing to Nigeria’s energy security.

The inaugural 1 million barrels, marking the initial phase of the planned 6 million barrels of crude oil supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery from various sources, is pivotal in supporting the initial processing capacity of 350,000 barrels per day at the facility.

The next four cargoes will be supplied by the NNPC in two to three weeks and the final of the six cargoes will be supplied by ExxonMobil.

This supply will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). 

This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries.

Designed for 100% Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery can process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100% of Nigeria’s requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also has a surplus of each of these products for export. 

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote stated: “We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. Our focus over the coming months is to ramp up the refinery to its full capacity. I look forward to the next significant milestone when we deliver the first batch of products to the Nigerian market.”

Dangote Refinery has a self-sufficient marine facility with the ability to handle the largest vessel globally available. In addition, all products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.