Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has confirmed that the Dangote Refinery will commence producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, this month. He made this announcement during a visit by officials from S&P Global, who were assessing Nigeria’s sovereign credit ratings and visited the refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Edwin reiterated the refinery’s commitment to begin petrol production as previously promised for July. He highlighted the strategic importance of leveraging Africa’s abundant crude oil resources to locally produce refined products, aiming to stimulate industrial development, create jobs, and foster economic prosperity.
Additionally, Edwin emphasized the refinery’s capability to produce high-quality products that meet international standards. He mentioned that the $20 billion facility has the capacity to satisfy 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel, with surplus production available for export.
S&P Global, represented by Ravi Bhatia and his team, praised the Dangote Refinery as a transformative project that could potentially resolve Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges and contribute significantly to the country’s economic advancement. They highlighted its impressive scale—processing 650,000 barrels per day—and its potential to make Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products.
The refinery, currently operating at 350,000 barrels per day, is scheduled to ramp up to 500,000 barrels per day capacity by July/August, beginning production of petrol and ultra-low sulfur diesel. It is designed to process various crude types and adheres to stringent international and environmental standards, including Euro V specifications.
Edwin also underscored the significance of the refinery being a Nigerian-led project, from design to construction, marking a milestone in the country’s industrial capabilities. He highlighted its advanced technologies and automation, including a state-of-the-art Central Control Unit and a self-sufficient marine facility capable of handling the largest vessels.
Nigeria, a major crude oil exporter, has historically faced challenges due to insufficient local refining capacity, leading to significant petroleum product imports. The Dangote Refinery represents a critical step towards reducing these imports and enhancing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in petroleum refining.
In summary, the Dangote Refinery’s impending commencement of petrol production signifies a major milestone in Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape, with potential far-reaching implications for energy security and economic development.
