NNPC Increases Dangote Refinery Crude Supply To 10 Cargoes

A section of Dangote Refinery

Special Report: NNPC Increases Dangote Refinery Crude Supply to 10 Cargoes

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has doubled its crude oil deliveries to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, raising supply to 10 cargoes in March 2026.

This development marks a significant step toward stabilizing domestic fuel availability, though it still falls short of the 19 cargoes required for the refinery’s optimal operations.

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, disclosed the figures during a visit by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed to the industrial complex in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

He explained that six cargoes were supplied in naira and four in dollars, reflecting efforts to balance local currency arrangements with international trade.

Despite the improvement, Dangote emphasized that the refinery continues to rely on imports from the United States and other African producers to bridge the supply gap. He expressed concern over the reluctance of international oil companies operating in Nigeria to sell directly to the refinery, noting their preference for traders.

This practice forces the refinery to repurchase crude at higher costs, with broader implications for Nigeria’s economy.

Dangote highlighted the refinery’s push for increased access to domestically priced crude under naira-based transactions. He argued that such arrangements would help moderate fuel costs and strengthen long-term energy and food security across Africa.

During her visit, Amina Mohammed underscored the strategic importance of Dangote Industries, particularly its fertiliser operations, in addressing Africa’s food security challenges. She called for stronger global partnerships to amplify scalable solutions, describing the integrated industrial model as a critical pathway to mitigating crises.

In response to ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, Dangote revealed that the group has intensified exports of urea fertiliser and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to African markets.

The refinery has shipped about 17 cargoes of petrol to countries across West, Central, and East Africa, leveraging its 650,000 barrels per day capacity to cushion the impact of shortages.

This expansion underscores Dangote’s ambition to position the refinery as a stabilizing force in Africa’s energy landscape, while also contributing to agricultural productivity through fertiliser exports. The dual focus on energy and food security reflects the company’s broader vision of integrated industrial growth across the continent.

The increase in crude supply from NNPC to the Dangote Refinery represents progress, but the refinery’s dependence on imports and challenges with international oil companies highlight persistent hurdles.

With its vast capacity and integrated operations, Dangote Industries is emerging as a pivotal player in both Africa’s energy and food security sectors, though sustained collaboration and policy support will be essential to unlock its full potential.