● Edwin: Facility targets 1.4m bpd by 2028; now world’s largest single-train refinery
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has increased crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day, bpd, in a performance test conducted by Process Licensors, surpassing its nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd.
The milestone cements the facility’s position as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery and underlines its engineering capability and operational efficiency.
–Path to 1.4m bpd by 2028–
Vice-President for Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said the ramp-up is part of a broader strategy to more than double capacity to 1.4 million bpd within 30 months, positioning the facility as potentially the largest refinery globally.
According to Edwin, the expansion is expected to boost Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, eliminate dependence on imported refined products and strengthen the country’s position as a regional export hub.
“The refinery’s growth trajectory reflects a deliberate move toward continental and global refining dominance, not just domestic supply sufficiency,” he said.
—Major supplier to Africa, Europe, US—
Owned by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, the refinery commenced fuel production in 2024 and has steadily increased output of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other refined products.
The facility has rapidly established itself as a major supplier to domestic and international markets, exporting refined petroleum products to several African countries and key European destinations including the UK, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. It has supplied gasoline to the American market and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia.
In April, Dangote Refinery became the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel, according to S&P Global Commodities.
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—Stabilizing Nigeria’s fuel supply, FX—
The refinery has played a pivotal role in stabilizing fuel supplies in Nigeria, helping to eliminate dependence on imported petroleum products and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Its expansion aligns with national objectives to enhance local refining capacity and maximize value from Nigeria’s crude oil resources.
Growing production volumes have also attracted increased interest from global crude suppliers and commodity trading firms, with the refinery sourcing feedstock from both domestic and international producers.
–Downstream, job impact expected–
Aliko Dangote has outlined plans to transform the facility into the world’s largest refinery by 2028 at 1.4 million bpd. The expansion is expected to deliver job creation, increased industrial activity and improved trade balances.
The refinery is also expected to strengthen downstream manufacturing by ensuring reliable supply of LPG, polypropylene for packaging, and future supply of Linear Alkylbenzene, LAB, used in detergents.
