Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expanded its regional reach, exporting 12 cargoes of refined petroleum products totaling 456,000 tonnes to five African countries amid a fuel supply crunch linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The shipments, sold through international traders on a Free on Board basis, were delivered to Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana and Togo, marking a major milestone since the refinery reached its 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity in February 2026.
A senior refinery official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly, said the development reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s refining capacity and signals a shift in Africa’s fuel supply dynamics.
The 456,000 tonnes of refined products — equivalent to about 608 million liters — highlight the scale of the exports and their potential impact on regional fuel availability.
The official said the increase in export volumes aligns with rising demand from African countries facing supply shortages and higher import costs due to global market disruptions.
He added that the refinery’s production of Euro 5 standard gasoline and diesel has boosted demand, as several countries move to phase out lower-quality fuels.
The exports are expected to improve energy security across West, East and Central Africa by reducing dependence on long-distance imports from Europe and the Middle East, while lowering logistics costs and delivery times.
The official dismissed concerns that increased exports could affect domestic supply, saying the refinery had planned for both local and regional demand from the outset.
“We have factored in domestic needs alongside exports,” he said.
The development underscores a broader shift in Africa’s fuel supply chain, with Nigeria emerging as a refining hub after years of relying on imported petroleum products despite being a major crude oil producer.
Africa continues to depend heavily on imported refined fuel due to limited refining capacity, a vulnerability worsened by recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
In response, several countries are turning to regional suppliers, with Dangote refinery becoming a key alternative because of its scale, proximity and product quality.
A recent report by Bloomberg said at least three countries — South Africa, Ghana and Kenya — have formally approached the refinery for fuel supplies, while others have made inquiries.
The report said disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran have strained global fuel supply chains, prompting countries to seek alternative sources.
An executive at the refinery confirmed growing demand, noting that multiple countries are pursuing supply agreements.
The continued exports are expected to stabilize fuel supply across the continent, boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and strengthen its role in Africa’s energy market.
