Dangote refinery’s daily output surpasses Nigeria’s fuel demand

Dangote refinery’s daily output surpasses Nigeria’s fuel demand

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a major milestone in its operations, revealing that it now produces 45 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, daily—exceeding Nigeria’s national consumption needs. The company also confirmed a daily output of 25 million litres of diesel, pledging consistent and reliable supply across the country.

The announcement was made on Friday by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, who stated that the refinery’s production capacity is sufficient to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance on fuel imports.

“Our refinery is currently loading over 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily, which exceeds Nigeria’s demand,” Chiejina said. “This significant production capacity not only guarantees local supply but also enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imports.”

The development comes just a day after the federal government approved a 15% import duty on PMS, diesel, and jet fuel—a policy aimed at protecting domestic refining and stabilizing the downstream oil market. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some stakeholders praising it as a boost for local industry, while others warn of potential increases in pump prices.

Despite the Dangote Refinery commencing operations over a year ago, approximately 67% of Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption still comes from imports. Chiejina criticized this trend, describing continued importation as a threat to industrial growth and national prosperity.

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“Dumping engenders poverty, discourages industrialisation, creates unemployment and leads to revenue loss for the government,” he said. “Across the world, nations protect their local manufacturers and industries from the threat of dumping. Dumping destroyed our textile industry, which was once a major employer of labour and creator of wealth.”

He urged the government to enforce the new tariff policy strictly to prevent the influx of substandard or toxic petroleum products, adding that the regime would encourage investment in local refining and stimulate job creation in the downstream sector.

Chiejina also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the policy, describing it as a transformative step toward securing Nigeria’s energy future.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to embody courageous and visionary leadership, renewing the hope of Nigerians and restoring investor confidence in the nation’s economy,” he said. “His administration’s bold and business-friendly reforms are reshaping the downstream oil and gas sector, unlocking new opportunities for industrial growth and national prosperity.”

He noted that increased local refining has contributed to the stabilization of the exchange rate and a stronger naira, citing reduced foreign exchange outflows and increased inflows.

Providing comparative data, Chiejina stated that the average pump price of petrol dropped from ₦1,030 per litre in September 2024 to between ₦841 and ₦851 per litre by September 2025 under the Dangote Refinery’s Direct Delivery Scheme. Diesel prices also fell from ₦1,400–₦1,700 per litre in 2024 to around ₦1,020 per litre in 2025.

He added that petrol prices in neighboring West African countries range between $1.20 and $2.00 per litre, compared to about $0.60 in Nigeria, underscoring the refinery’s impact on affordability and supply stability.

Industry analysts say the Dangote Refinery’s growing output could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s energy landscape, potentially reducing import dependency and strengthening the country’s economic resilience.

Dangote refinery’s daily output surpasses Nigeria’s fuel demand