Dangote Refinery Explains Rise in Petrol Exports Amid Continued Fuel Imports

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has said the recent increase in its petrol exports is a response to market conditions and not an indication of an inability to meet domestic fuel demand.

The company explained that it maintains sufficient production capacity and inventory to supply the Nigerian market but faces challenges in planning due to the continued importation of petrol into the country.

According to the refinery, the steady inflow of imported fuel has created uncertainty in demand projections, making it difficult to determine how much product will be absorbed locally. As a result, excess stock is exported to regional and international markets to prevent storage congestion and reduce inventory-related costs.

The refinery noted that it has invested heavily in storage facilities, logistics, and supply infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability across Nigeria. However, holding large volumes of unsold products for extended periods is not commercially sustainable.

It also pointed out that imported petrol continues to account for a significant share of fuel supplied in the country, despite the availability of substantial local refining capacity.

The company stressed that its export activities should not be interpreted as a shift away from the domestic market. Rather, they are part of an operational strategy aimed at managing excess inventory while maintaining stable local supply.

Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy needs, stating that it remains capable of meeting and exceeding the nation’s petrol requirements while ensuring reliable distribution across the country.