Dangote Refinery drives historic shift as Nigeria becomes net petrol exporter

By Udeme Akpan

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has recorded a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy history, exporting 44,000 barrels per day (b/d) of gasoline in March 2026—an achievement that has positioned the country as a net exporter of petrol for the first time, with a surplus of about 3,000 b/d.

The landmark development marks a decisive turnaround for Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, which for decades depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products.

Industry analysts say the export surge, driven by rising output from the refinery, is expected to generate significant foreign exchange inflows, easing pressure on the forex market and supporting macroeconomic stability.

The March milestone highlights Nigeria’s accelerating progress toward self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and reinforces its ambition to become a competitive player in the global downstream oil market.

In a notable expansion of its international footprint, the refinery also exported gasoline to East Africa for the first time, shipping a 317,000-barrel cargo to Mozambique.

The move reflects growing regional demand as buyers diversify supply sources away from the Middle East amid ongoing disruptions. Another gasoline cargo is scheduled for delivery to Beira, Mozambique, in April.

Data from market intelligence firm Kpler showed that Nigeria’s gasoline imports dropped sharply to 41,000 b/d in March—the lowest level on record.

Meanwhile, crude supply to the refinery rose to about 565,000 b/d, the second-highest intake since the 650,000 b/d-capacity facility began operations in late 2023. The figures indicate strong processing rates and improving product yields.

Analysts say Nigeria’s transition from a major gasoline importer to an exporter is set to reshape regional trade flows and intensify competition in global fuel markets.

The development could also exert additional pressure on Europe’s already oversupplied gasoline market as Nigeria emerges as a new supplier.

Commenting on the broader economic impact, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, credited reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring investor confidence and creating an enabling environment for large-scale investments in domestic refining.