By Bassey Udo
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals recorded a major milestone, with the first consignment of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol being exported from the plant last month.
The company described the export of 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) of petrol from the 650,000 per day capacity plant in March 2026 as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s energy history, as it repositioned the country as a net exporter of petroleum products for the first time ever.
The company said the export consignment was from a surplus of approximately 3,000 bpd accumulated from its production during the month.
The landmark performance, it said, marks a decisive turnaround for Africa’s largest oil-producing nation, which for decades relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products.
Industry experts say the surge in exports, driven by rising output from the Dangote Refinery, is expected to deliver substantial foreign exchange inflows to the Federal Government, easing pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, while supporting overall macroeconomic stability.
“The March export milestone underscores Nigeria’s accelerating progress toward self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and strengthens its ambition to become a competitive supplier in the global downstream energy market,” the company said in a statement.
In a significant expansion of its international footprint in the global energy market, the Dangote Refinery also exported gasoline to East Africa for the first time, delivering a 317,000‑barrel cargo to Mozambique.
The shipment reflects growing regional demand as East African buyers diversify supply sources away from the Middle East Gulf amid ongoing supply disruptions as a result of the U.S.-Iranian crisis.
A further gasoline cargo from the refinery is scheduled for delivery to Beira, Mozambique, in April.
Supporting data from market intelligence firm, Kpler showed that Nigeria’s gasoline imports fell sharply to 41,000 bpd in March, the lowest level ever recorded.
At the same time, crude oil supply to the Dangote facility climbed to approximately 565,000 bpd, the second-highest intake since the 650,000 bpd-capacity refinery began operations in late 2023.
The figures point to strong processing rates and rising product yields across the complex.
Analysts say Nigeria’s transition from a major gasoline importer to a net exporter is poised to reshape regional trade flows and intensify competition in global fuel markets.
The development is also expected to add pressure to Europe’s already oversupplied gasoline market, as Nigeria increasingly competes with traditional suppliers.
Commenting on the broader economic implications of the development, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, recently credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic and energy sector reforms for restoring investor confidence and creating the policy environment necessary for large-scale investments in domestic refining.
With rising output, expanding export markets, and declining imports, the Dangote Refinery’s performance signals a turning point for Nigeria’s energy sector, one that promises stronger FOREX earnings, improved energy security, and a more influential role for the country in global petroleum product trade.
