Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has increased its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), exceeding its official installed capacity of 650,000 bpd.
The milestone was confirmed following a performance test conducted by the refinery’s process licensors, marking a significant step in the facility’s operational advancement.
The development further reinforces the refinery’s status as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery.
In a statement released on Thursday in Lagos, the refinery’s Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina, said the achievement reflects the strength of its engineering design and operational efficiency.
Commenting on the development, Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, revealed that the refinery is targeting an expansion to 1.4 million bpd within the next 30 months.
He said the expansion is aimed at positioning the facility among the largest refining complexes globally.
According to Edwin, the increased capacity will improve Nigeria’s energy security, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and strengthen the country’s role as a major exporter of refined fuels.
He added that the refinery’s ambition extends beyond satisfying local demand, with plans to become a major refining hub serving Africa and international markets.
Owned by industrialist Aliko Dangote, the refinery commenced fuel production in 2024 and has gradually increased output of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other petroleum products.
The facility currently serves both domestic and international markets, exporting refined products to several African nations as well as European countries including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.
It has also supplied gasoline to the United States and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia.
Edwin noted that the refinery has become an important stabilising force in the energy sector, particularly amid global supply uncertainties linked to tensions in the Middle East.
As a result, several African countries now depend on the refinery to support their energy needs.
In April, S&P Global Commodities reportedly ranked Dangote Refinery as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel, highlighting its growing influence in the global energy market.
The refinery has also contributed to improved fuel availability in Nigeria by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Its expansion aligns with efforts to boost local refining capacity and maximise value from Nigeria’s crude oil resources.
Growing production levels have attracted increased interest from international crude suppliers and commodity traders, with the refinery sourcing crude from both local and foreign producers.
Looking ahead, Aliko Dangote has outlined plans to raise the refinery’s capacity to 1.4 million bpd by 2028.
The expansion is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial activity, stronger trade balances, and support for downstream industries through the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), polypropylene, and other industrial feedstocks.
Future production plans also include Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), a key raw material used in detergent manufacturing.