In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (BPD), is poised to commence product sales from January 2024. According to Mr. Clement Isong, the Executive Secretary of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), the refinery is set to kick off its operations with the sale of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and JetA1 (aviation fuel).
Isong revealed in an interview with New Telegraph that the refinery is currently undergoing a startup process, with a focus on producing diesel and aviation fuel. He explained that the gradual introduction of products is part of the refining and adjustment process aimed at enhancing efficiency and yield. The excitement among marketers stems from the anticipation of a transformative shift in the availability of refined products.
“The startup process has commenced, and we will start selling products in January. They may take a few weeks to make adjustments and then start pushing out,” stated Isong. He further emphasized that while diesel and aviation fuel will be available in the early part of the year, the production of petrol is expected to follow in subsequent quarters, possibly by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter.
The MOMAN Executive Secretary highlighted the ongoing commitment to refining processes and adjustments until the refinery reaches full operational efficiency. The revelation that crude oil is actively being processed and not merely sitting idle underscores the refinery’s forward momentum.
This development holds promising implications for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic growth. The Dangote Refinery’s contribution to the domestic market is poised to alleviate the nation’s dependence on imported refined products and create a positive impact on the overall economy.
As the countdown to January 2024 begins, stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the tangible outcomes of the refinery’s startup process. The potential positive effects on job creation, foreign exchange reserves, and energy security position this milestone as a crucial step towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future for Nigeria.
