Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has raised its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) during a recent performance test, according to company executives. The figure exceeds the facility’s original design capacity of 650,000 bpd.
The performance test was conducted by the facility’s Process Licensors. Devakumar Edwin, Vice-President for Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, said the increase is part of a plan to expand capacity to 1.4 million bpd within 30 months. If completed, the expansion would make it one of the largest refineries by processing volume.
Edwin stated that the goal is to “boost Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on imported refined products, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional export hub.”
The refinery, owned by Nigerian industrialist, Aliko Dangote, began fuel production in 2024. It produces petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other refined petroleum products.
The company reports exports to several African countries and European destinations including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. It has also supplied gasoline to the United States and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia, according to company statements.
In April, S&P Global Commodities reported that Dangote Petroleum Refinery was the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel for that month.
The refinery has become a supplier to Nigeria’s domestic market, which previously relied on imports for most refined petroleum products. Company executives say this has reduced pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Edwin noted that ongoing disruptions in global oil markets have increased demand from African countries seeking regional supply sources.
To meet rising output, the refinery sources crude from domestic and international producers.
Aliko Dangote has stated plans to reach 1.4 million bpd by 2028. The company expects the expansion to support job creation and downstream manufacturing through supply of LPG, polypropylene, and other industrial feedstocks. Plans also include future production of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), used in detergent manufacturing.