Dangote Petroleum Refinery plans to add 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) of refining capacity by the end of 2028, a move that could significantly expand its presence in global refined products markets, including aviation fuel, according to the refinery's Chief Executive Officer, David Bird.
Speaking at the S&P Global Energy Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference in London, Bird said the refinery has commenced preparations for the expansion, with key equipment already procured and construction contracts being processed.
The planned increase would add to the refinery's existing 650,000 bpd capacity, which currently makes it the largest single-train refinery in Africa.
"We will bring 700,000 barrels per day of fully complex refining capacity on stream by the end of 2028," Bird said while outlining the company's growth plans.
According to him, the refinery has already established itself as a competitive supplier of refined petroleum products in international markets, particularly aviation fuel.
"We're very grateful to be seen as a reliable, high-quality, and dependable supplier able to land our product competitively all over the world," he said.
The expansion plans come as Dangote Refinery continues to increase exports of refined products, including jet fuel, diesel and petrol, amid changing global trade flows and supply disruptions affecting some traditional fuel-exporting regions.
Bird noted that the refinery currently produces more aviation fuel than is required within the African market, creating opportunities to expand exports to international destinations.
Industry observers say the refinery's growing role in the jet fuel market coincides with increased demand for alternative supply sources as geopolitical tensions and shipping risks continue to reshape global petroleum product flows.
The comments also come as refiners outside the Gulf region seek to capitalize on market opportunities created by concerns over supply security and disruptions to key maritime routes.
Beyond the immediate expansion programme, Bird disclosed that the group is evaluating additional long-term growth opportunities.
According to him, Dangote could eventually increase its total refining capacity to about 2.1 million barrels per day, while also considering the development of another refinery in East Africa.
The proposed expansion would further strengthen Nigeria's position in the global refining industry and increase the country's capacity to export refined petroleum products to regional and international markets.
The refinery has continued to ramp up operations since commencing production, increasing supplies of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other refined products to both domestic and export markets.
Recent loading data reviewed by Petroleumprice.ng showed that the refinery shipped nearly 400,000 metric tonnes of petrol in May alone, highlighting the scale of its growing commercial operations.
The facility has also emerged as a significant supplier of aviation fuel. Earlier this year, the refinery reduced its ex-depot Jet A1 price from ₦1,750 per litre to ₦1,650 per litre, further strengthening its competitiveness in the domestic market.
Market analysts say the planned capacity expansion could enhance the refinery's ability to meet rising demand across Africa while increasing export volumes into Europe, Asia and other international destinations.
If completed as scheduled, the additional 700,000 bpd capacity would represent one of the largest refinery expansion projects globally and further cement Dangote Refinery's position as a major player in the international refined products market.