The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals recorded a processing output of 661,000 barrels per day (bpd), surpassing its installed nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd, according to the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari.
Commenting on the refinery’s operational performance during a recent visit to the facility, Ojulari said the plant had exceeded expectations.
“This plant was designed for 650,000 barrels per day. None of us thought it would even touch 550,000. What we saw live today was 661,000. These are live parameters, not reports or photographs,” he stated.
The refinery was constructed with a processing capacity of 650,000 bpd, making it one of the largest single-train refineries globally.
Live Operational Parameters
Ojulari indicated that the figures observed were real-time operational data rather than projected or reported estimates. The recorded output of 661,000 bpd represents production above the plant’s original design benchmark.
The performance data was disclosed during an official visit to the facility, where operational parameters were monitored live.
Implications for Domestic Fuel Supply
In addition to crude processing volumes, the refinery has projected a daily supply of more than 65 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the domestic market.
Nigeria’s average daily petrol consumption is estimated at between 50 and 60 million litres. At projected supply levels, domestic output would exceed national demand, creating a surplus of between 15 and 20 million litres per day for export.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, stated that a structured offtake arrangement has been concluded with selected marketers to ensure nationwide distribution. Under the framework, a minimum of 65 million litres will be supplied daily to the domestic market, while excess volumes will be exported.
Potential Market Impact
Nigeria has historically relied on imported refined petroleum products to bridge domestic supply gaps. If sustained, the refinery’s processing and supply levels could reduce import dependence and alter the structure of the country’s downstream petroleum market.
Analysts note that higher domestic refining capacity may lower foreign exchange outflows tied to petrol imports, support reserve stability, and improve trade balance performance.
If production levels remain above nameplate capacity and domestic distribution targets are maintained, the refinery’s output could mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s refining and fuel supply landscape.