Dangote Refinery Launches 24-Hour Petrol Loading to Ensure Stable Supply Across Nigeria
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially commenced round-the-clock petrol loading operations as part of efforts to maintain a daily supply of over 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) across Nigeria. This marks a major step toward full 24-hour operations at Africa’s largest refinery, aimed at improving logistics and fuel security nationwide.
The move comes as the refinery ramps up production and strengthens distribution, addressing concerns about potential supply disruptions and maintenance activities. Originally designed for daytime evacuation, the facility now operates during night hours to match rising output with uninterrupted offtake.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Managing Director David Bird explained that 24-hour loading was necessary to meet market demand and improve turnaround time for truck evacuations. “We’re already doing nighttime loading. It’s now a 24-hour operation. We have celebrated over 50 million litres of offtake, with over a thousand trucks passing through our gates and gantries,” Bird said.
He added that the refinery consistently meets the 50 million litres daily petrol requirement in both production and evacuation. “In the second half of 2025, even while ramping up capacity of our conversion and downstream units, we delivered more than 52 million litres on some occasions,” Bird noted.
Bird emphasised that sustaining high output is not just about production but also efficient distribution. He explained that demand fluctuates, especially on weekends, but the refinery’s flexibility allows for continuous supply. “Our goal is to produce over 50 million litres a day and gauge true market demand in Nigeria,” he said.
The Managing Director linked a stable fuel supply to economic growth. “Lower prices and abundant supplies stimulate demand, which in turn supports economic activity. Availability of stable, affordable, clean fuels is a key driver for Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
Highlighting the refinery’s operational resilience, Bird stated that it can maintain output even during planned maintenance. “We can take individual units offline for maintenance while still meeting finished product demand. This flexibility is built into our system,” he explained.
The refinery is designed as a flexible merchant operation capable of producing petrol through multiple routes, including crude processing, intermediate feedstocks, and blending components. Bird noted, “This allows us to consistently supply Nigeria while maintaining export capability, producing fuels that meet Euro-5 standards.”
He also praised the refinery’s impact on the Nigerian fuel market. “Nigeria has transitioned from fuel scarcity to abundance. Beyond volume, we are supplying cleaner Euro V-compliant fuels, ending West Africa’s history of substandard petroleum imports,” he said.
Bird added that domestic refining is crucial for price stability. “Relying solely on imports exposes the country to global price fluctuations. Domestic production provides insulation and ensures more stable fuel costs for Nigerians,” he explained.
Concluding the briefing, Bird reaffirmed the refinery’s commitment to domestic supply. “While exports remain an option, our priority is the Nigerian market. Maintaining 24-hour operations ensures fuel security, stabilises prices, and supports economic activity nationwide,” he said.
