Dangote Refinery Imports Crude from Equatorial Guinea – Report

Dangote Refinery has reportedly imported crude oil from Equatorial Guinea, marking another step in its efforts to secure a stable supply of feedstock for its operations. This move comes as the $19 billion refinery continues ramping up production to meet domestic and international demand.

According to industry sources, the refinery recently received a shipment of Zafiro crude, Equatorial Guinea’s flagship oil grade. This adds to its growing list of crude suppliers, which includes the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and other international sources. The decision to source crude from Equatorial Guinea highlights the refinery’s strategy of diversifying its supply chain to ensure continuous production.

Dangote Refinery, which began operations earlier this year, has been processing crude into petroleum products like diesel and aviation fuel. However, securing a steady supply of crude remains a key challenge, given Nigeria’s complex oil production dynamics. Despite having significant reserves, Nigeria’s crude output has struggled with issues such as theft, pipeline vandalism, and production disruptions.

By importing crude from Equatorial Guinea, the refinery aims to reduce reliance on domestic sources and avoid potential supply bottlenecks. Industry analysts see this as a pragmatic approach, especially as the refinery seeks to operate at full capacity and achieve its goal of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products.

While the refinery has already received its first shipment of Nigerian crude, its ability to refine both local and foreign crude grades will be critical for long-term stability. As operations continue to scale up, the refinery’s crude sourcing strategy will likely evolve based on market conditions and supply availability.

The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector, reducing fuel imports and stabilizing local prices. However, its success will depend on securing consistent crude supplies, both locally and internationally.