The Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced its imminent commencement of refined petroleum product production as it received the sixth batch of one million barrels of crude oil essential for its initial operations. In a statement issued on Monday, the refinery expressed readiness for production with the receipt of the latest one million barrels of Agbami crude supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited via MT ALMI SUN. This delivery marked the completion of the initial scheduled six million barrels consignment required for the launch of operations at the world’s largest single-train refinery.
Exactly a month ago, the Dangote refinery received its first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited, a major trading entity in Nigeria and globally, dealing with over eight million barrels of crude oil daily. Subsequently, the refinery has received crude oil in batches, and the latest batch of one million barrels of Agbami crude was discharged on Monday at the Single Point Mooring at the Dangote Offshore Oil Terminal.
Akin Omole, the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, emphasized that the refinery would be well-positioned to commence operations once the full six million barrels of crude had been delivered. He stated, “Once the six million barrels are fully delivered, it will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit.”
This milestone is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria and other West African countries. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, designed to process 650,000 barrels per day, is capable of handling 100% Nigerian crude while also providing flexibility to process various African crude grades, Middle Eastern Arab Light, US Light tight oil, and crude from other countries. The refinery aims to meet 100% of Nigeria’s refined product requirements, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel, with surplus quantities available for export.