Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has confidently stated that the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) produced by Dangote Refinery will match the quality of petrol found in the United States and other parts of the world. This announcement was made during a press conference to mark the official commencement of petrol production at the 650,000 barrels per day facility.
Dangote showcased a sample of the “clean” petrol in a bottle, assuring that it will prolong engine lifespan. He emphasized that the refinery will cater to the needs of Sub-Saharan Africa and acknowledged the support of the Federal government, his staff, and Nigerians.
With this achievement, Dangote Refinery has met all required parameters to certify its refining operations, poised to save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange and boost local petrol availability.
The refinery, located near Lagos, will process 650,000 barrels of oil per day at full capacity, with over half of that output being petrol. At peak production, it is expected to produce around 330,000 barrels of petrol per day, contributing over one percent to global demand.
While production levels will not be immediate, the refinery has been gradually ramping up operations after years of delays. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited will be the sole buyer of the refinery’s petrol, with the option to export if needed.
The commencement of petrol production at Dangote Refinery is expected to ease the NNPC’s struggles to supply the local market, particularly amidst financial strain. This development is set to significantly impact Nigeria’s fuel market and influence global fuel trade.