Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has increased its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), exceeding its original nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd and reinforcing its position as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery.
The milestone was achieved during a performance test conducted by the refinery’s Process Licensors, demonstrating the facility’s ability to process higher volumes of crude oil while maintaining operational efficiency across its production units.
The latest capacity expansion represents a major step in Dangote Refinery’s long-term growth strategy, with plans to more than double processing capacity to 1.4 million bpd within the next 30 months. If achieved, the facility could become the world’s largest refinery by capacity.
Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said the expansion reflects the company’s ambition to position the refinery as a global refining powerhouse while supporting Africa’s energy security.
According to Edwin, the increased capacity will help strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence, reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products and transform the country into a major regional exporter of refined fuels.
Owned by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, Dangote Petroleum Refinery began fuel production in 2024 and has rapidly expanded output of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other petroleum products.
The refinery has emerged as a major supplier to domestic and international markets, exporting refined products to several African countries and global destinations including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. It has also supplied gasoline to the United States market and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia.
The facility’s growing role in global energy markets has gained further attention amid supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with several African countries increasingly turning to the refinery as a strategic source of energy security.
In April, Dangote Petroleum Refinery became the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel, according to S&P Global.
The refinery has also played a critical role in stabilising Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector by reducing dependence on imported fuels and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Beyond fuel production, the facility is expected to support wider industrial growth through the supply of critical petrochemical feedstocks such as LPG and polypropylene, which are essential inputs for packaging, manufacturing and consumer goods industries. Future expansion plans also include production of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), a key raw material used in detergent manufacturing.
The refinery’s increasing demand for crude oil has attracted interest from international crude suppliers and commodity trading firms, with feedstock sourced from both domestic producers and global markets.
Industry analysts say the planned expansion to 1.4 million bpd by 2028 could deliver significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial activity, stronger export earnings and improved trade balances.
With its scale and export ambitions, Dangote Refinery is positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global downstream oil and gas market while reshaping Africa’s refining landscape.
