Nigeria’s Dangote refinery is poised to send its first petrol cargo beyond West Africa, signalling a bold step into the global fuel market.
According to a Reuters report, global commodities trader Mercuria is set to load a 90,000 metric tonne shipment from the 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery on June 22, with the cargo headed for Asia.
Since beginning petrol exports last year, the $20 billion Lagos-based plant has supplied West African countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, helping them reduce dependence on European fuel imports.
The decision to supply Asia for the first time marks a significant expansion in the refinery’s market reach.
“We sell our products to those who are willing to give us the highest price. It’s the buyer’s right to take the products to any destination of their choice,” a Dangote refinery spokesperson said.
Mercuria declined to comment on the development.
Industry analysts say the move reflects growing confidence in the refinery’s stability and Nigeria’s ability to meet its fuel demand.
“This development shows the Dangote refinery’s growing global importance as a petrol supplier, and the company’s confidence that production is now stable enough to meet Nigeria’s domestic needs,” said Clementine Wallop, director at political risk consultancy Horizon Engage.
