The Dangote Refinery has increased the supply of petrol to African countries, with fertiliser also supplied, as global energy markets face disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Chairman of the group, Aliko Dangote, disclosed this during a visit to the Dangote Refinery, noting that the facility is stepping up production and distribution to meet rising regional demand. According to him, the refinery has already delivered about 17 cargoes of gasoline to various African countries, while exports of urea fertiliser have also increased as buyers seek alternative sources amid supply uncertainty.
Dangote said the refinery is leveraging its 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, the largest in Africa, to cushion the impact of global supply shocks across the continent.
He added that the refinery, which can produce up to 3 million metric tonnes of urea annually, is redirecting shipments that would typically go to markets such as the United States and South America toward African countries.
The development comes as global oil supply chains face increasing pressure due to geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel, which have disrupted key energy routes.
A major flashpoint is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor through which about 20 percent of global oil supply passes. Disruptions in the region have pushed crude oil prices as high as $120 per barrel before easing slightly.
The effects are already being felt across Africa. Rising fuel costs have increased operational expenses in sectors such as agriculture, while in Nigeria, higher petrol prices have contributed to a surge in food costs.
Despite operating at full capacity, the refinery is pursuing expansion plans aimed at strengthening its supply capabilities. Backed by financing support from the African Export-Import Bank, the project is expected to scale output from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day.
The expansion will also boost polypropylene production capacity from 900,000 metric tonnes annually to 2.4 million metric tonnes.
Industry observers say the refinery’s increased regional focus could help stabilise fuel supply across Africa, even as global markets remain volatile due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
