The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has ramped up production to 610,000 barrels per day this month, advancing closer to its full capacity of 650,000 bpd. The refinery, which has defied industry expectations, now operates with such reliability that executives are considering plans to expand beyond its original capacity. The refinery’s aggressive pricing strategy has made it Nigeria’s dominant fuel supplier, undercutting rivals and forcing European traders out of the West African gasoline market. Exports now reach neighboring states, shifting regional fuel flows and positioning Nigeria to become a net exporter. While Dangote’s rise signals a new energy era for Africa’s largest economy, analysts warn that its first major maintenance shutdown could disrupt supply dynamics across the region.
The Punch
