By Onilede Titi Faith
Africa’s largest oil refinery, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, is not only transforming Nigeria’s energy sector but is also making bold strides on the global stage.
In a landmark development, the Lagos-based refinery is set to export its first cargo of gasoline to Asia, signaling a strategic expansion from regional to international fuel markets.
This move marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s industrial growth and reinforces Dangote’s vision of becoming a global energy leader.
According to industry sources, the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery will load its first gasoline shipment; approximately 90,000 metric tons on June 22, 2025.
The cargo, facilitated by global trading firm Mercuria, is bound for the Asian market.
Until now, Dangote’s refined fuel exports have primarily served West African markets.
However, this forthcoming shipment ushers in a new era where Nigerian-produced gasoline reaches major Asian energy hubs such as Singapore and China.
“Our strategy is simple: we sell to the highest bidder, regardless of location,” a Dangote spokesperson said.
This isn’t Dangote’s first foray into the Asian market. Since mid-2024, the refinery has been exporting low-sulfur straight-run fuel oil (LSSR) to Asia.
These cleaner-burning fuels, essential for marine shipping and bunkering, have already reached destinations including Singapore and other key Asian economies.
By June 2024, the refinery had exported over 500,000 metric tons of LSSR to Asia, demonstrating both operational efficiency and international competitiveness.
With this latest export milestone, Dangote Refinery is not only fulfilling its domestic promise but also positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global energy trade.
