By Atoyebi Nike
The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased exports of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel to the Middle East Gulf as Saudi Aramco and other refineries in the region undergo maintenance shutdowns.
Industry officials confirmed that the Lagos-based refinery shipped large fuel cargoes in August, following earlier exports in June and July. According to Argus Media, refinery closures in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and reduced production in India have squeezed supplies, pushing Gulf states to seek additional imports.
Data from ship-tracking firms show Saudi Arabia imported 478,000 tonnes of petrol in July, while the United Arab Emirates brought in 864,000 tonnes in August to cover supply gaps.
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, had earlier disclosed that jet fuel was exported to Saudi Aramco, noting that Nigeria had become a net exporter of refined products, with one million tonnes of petrol shipped between June and July.
The refinery dismissed reports of operational difficulties, stating it is targeting output of 700,000 barrels per day by December, a milestone expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global fuel market.
