Dangote Refinery: Output Exceeds Demand, Fuel Supply Steady
Atume Terfa
In a confident reaffirmation of its production capacity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited has assured Nigerians of a steady and sufficient supply of fuel, dismissing widespread fears of scarcity despite recent increases in pump prices across the country.
During a facility tour earlier this week, refinery executives declared that operations remain at full capacity, with over 310 million litres of petrol currently in reserve. The company emphasised that short maintenance breaks should not be misconstrued as production halts or shortages.
“Bring your tankers. We will load. Any number of tankers you bring, we’ll load. No one can say we are not supplying,” an executive stated during the inspection visit, underscoring the refinery’s capacity to sustain national demand.
Recent data indicate that the refinery is meeting as much as 60 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol demand, producing over 30 million litres daily as of early 2025. Reports from ThisDay and Pulse Nigeria further confirm that the facility has reached 85 per cent utilisation, an unprecedented milestone for the country’s downstream sector.
Between June and September 2025, the refinery also exported more than 1.1 billion litres of petrol, demonstrating a surplus beyond domestic needs. Industry analysts say this output marks a major turning point in Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel import dependence.
Analysts note that the refinery’s growing output could significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, saving billions of dollars in foreign exchange. However, despite the improved supply situation, retail prices continue to rise in many areas, a trend linked to distribution costs and broader market pressures rather than production shortfalls.
The refinery’s assurance, however, offers renewed confidence to both policymakers and consumers, signalling that the downstream sector is stabilising after years of volatility.
While production remains robust, experts caution that crude feedstock supply and logistical challenges could still hinder consistent nationwide distribution. A report by TBI Africa noted that even with surplus production, infrastructure and marketing bottlenecks could delay the benefits from reaching end users.
Additionally, some analysts suggest that the refinery’s strong output must be matched with regulatory efficiency and fair pricing policies to ensure Nigerians fully reap the economic benefits.
The Dangote Refinery’s latest declaration reinforces its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy independence. Beyond meeting demand, the refinery is fast becoming a regional export hub, strengthening the country’s position in Africa’s petroleum market.
As Nigeria transitions from dependence to self-sufficiency, the key question now shifts from “Will there be fuel?” to “How can it be delivered efficiently and affordably?”
