Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals plant, a flagship project of the Dangote Group, has successfully acquired one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO).
The move is aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and achieving energy self-sufficiency.
In an official statement obtained by the company, Dangote Refinery revealed that the one million barrels from Agbami were delivered to the refinery’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) by STASCO, where it was discharged into the facility’s crude oil tanks.
This acquisition marks the first phase of a broader plan, with a total of six million barrels of crude oil expected to be supplied to Dangote Petroleum Refinery by various suppliers.
The initial one million barrels is crucial for sustaining the refinery’s initial processing capacity of 350,000 barrels per day. Subsequent shipments will be provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) within the next two to three weeks, and the final cargo will be supplied by ExxonMobil.
The refinery’s management stated, “This supply will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries.”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, designed for 100% Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, has a daily processing capacity of 650,000 barrels. The facility can handle various African crude grades, Middle Eastern Arab Light, US Light tight oil, and crudes from other countries.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, expressed delight at reaching this significant milestone, stating, “This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. Our focus over the coming months is to ramp up the refinery to its full capacity.”
Osagie Okunbor, the Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, welcomed the startup of the refinery, highlighting its potential to produce gasoline, diesel, and low-sulphur fuels not only for Nigeria but also for West Africa.
