Dangote Refinery Imports 1.46 Billion Litres of Blendstock to Sustain Record Petrol Output

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported approximately 1.46 billion litres of gasoline blendstock and other refining intermediates between January and May 2026 as it intensified efforts to maintain high petrol production and operate above its installed refining capacity.

Latest industry figures obtained from the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Statistics report released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority showed that the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery continued to supplement crude oil processing with imported feedstocks despite receiving substantial volumes of both domestic and imported crude oil.

The data revealed that the refinery maintained an average capacity utilisation rate of 101.25 per cent in May while producing approximately 44.7 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, per day.

Gasoline blendstock refers to intermediate petroleum products such as reformate, alkylate, naphtha and other high-octane components that are blended with refinery outputs to produce finished petrol that meets required quality and environmental standards. These materials are not sold directly to consumers but are used to enhance fuel quality and increase production efficiency.

An analysis of the NMDPRA report showed that Dangote Refinery imported 658.31 million litres of gasoline blendstock in January, 306.89 million litres in February, 102.35 million litres in March, 147.37 million litres in April, and 240.59 million litres in May.

The cumulative import volume reached about 1.46 billion litres during the five-month period.

The refinery’s blendstock imports initially declined as crude oil supply improved between January and March. Crude receipts rose from 9.53 million barrels in January to 20.92 million barrels in March, while blendstock imports fell significantly during the same period.

However, the trend reversed in April and May as the refinery increased its intake of imported blendstock despite maintaining strong crude supply levels. Imports rose from 147.37 million litres in April to 240.59 million litres in May, representing a 63.3 per cent increase within one month.

Industry analysts believe the move reflects efforts to optimise refinery operations, improve fuel quality, and maximise petrol output.

According to the report, the refinery supplied approximately 41.5 million litres of petrol daily to the domestic market in May while maintaining a closing stock of 9.4 million litres.

The facility also produced 24.5 million litres of diesel daily, supplying 18.2 million litres to the local market and exporting 6.5 million litres. Aviation fuel production stood at 21.9 million litres per day, with 17.5 million litres exported and 2.8 million litres supplied locally.

Data from the regulator showed that total crude oil supplied to refineries in May stood at 17.92 million barrels, comprising 15.84 million barrels of domestic crude and 2.08 million barrels of imported crude.

Although this volume was below the estimated 20.15 million barrels required for full-capacity operations throughout a 31-day month, the refinery still achieved utilisation above 100 per cent, suggesting that imported blendstocks played a key role in boosting output.

The report also highlighted that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries—including the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company—remained shut down as of May 2026.

Their continued inactivity leaves Dangote Refinery as Nigeria’s primary operational refining hub and the country’s largest supplier of locally refined petroleum products.

Commenting on the development, Dayo Ayoade explained that importing gasoline blendstocks is a standard practice in the global refining industry and should not be interpreted as importing finished petrol.

According to him, blendstocks enable refineries to improve fuel quality, comply with modern environmental standards such as Euro V specifications, and optimise production processes.

He noted that the materials provide flexibility for refiners to adjust output based on market demand while ensuring that secondary refining units continue operating efficiently, particularly when crude oil supplies fluctuate.

However, Ayoade cautioned that continued reliance on imported feedstocks carries economic implications, particularly regarding foreign exchange outflows.

He explained that while the strategy helps maximise refinery performance, it also means Nigeria must spend foreign currency on imported inputs, exposing the industry to global market risks.

Despite these concerns, industry observers note that the refinery has significantly transformed Nigeria’s fuel supply landscape by reducing dependence on imported refined products and expanding local production capacity.

With petrol output remaining above 44 million litres per day and blendstock imports rising once again in May, the refinery appears focused on consolidating its position as Nigeria’s leading fuel supplier while expanding exports to regional markets.