Dangote Refinery Dismisses Report of Petrol Unit Shutdown

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has refuted claims that its petrol unit may be shut down for up to three months, describing the report as false.

A Reuters publication, citing industry monitor IIR Energy, suggested that the 650,000 bpd refinery had halted operations at its 204,000 bpd Residue Fluidised Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU) since August 29 due to catalyst leaks, and could face months of downtime for repairs.

But in a swift reaction, the Dangote Group’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, dismissed the report as “fake news.”

“Fake news. Why ‘could’ if they are sure?” Chiejina told reporters when contacted on Sunday, questioning the credibility of the claim.

Reuters had further reported that the refinery might attempt to restart the RFCCU by September 20, but warned of possible long-term repairs.

Since commencing operations in January 2024, the Dangote refinery has significantly reshaped fuel flows, slashing Europe-to-West Africa gasoline exports. Data from Kpler shows that EU and UK exports to Nigeria dropped from about 200,000 bpd in 2024 to roughly 120,000 bpd in the first half of 2025.

In a landmark development, the refinery also shipped two gasoline cargoes to the United States East Coast, expected to dock in New York later this month—marking its entry into the competitive US market.

Plans are underway to ramp up output to 700,000 bpd by December 2025. In August, the plant imported Ghana’s Sankofa crude—its first cargo from the country—broadening its crude mix beyond Nigeria’s light sweet grades.

Industry reports indicate that the refinery processed a record 570,000 bpd of crude in July, with 60 per cent sourced from the US and 40 per cent from Nigeria. This marked the first time US crude overtook Nigerian supply in Dangote’s feedstock mix, driven by domestic production challenges and the cost advantage of WTI.

Kpler analysts estimate current operations at around 445,000 bpd, representing 68 per cent of capacity, up from 60 per cent in the first quarter. Throughput is expected to remain near these levels in the coming months, with a slight dip projected during December–January maintenance.

Despite concerns raised by international monitors, Dangote insists its refinery is operating at elevated levels and remains committed to meeting both local and international fuel demands.