Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to import a cargo of Brazilian crude, according to Bloomberg, as the Nigerian firm seeks to supplement its feedstock amid low domestic crude oil output.
The one million barrel shipment of Tupi crude from Brazil, scheduled for delivery next month, adds to the refinery’s previous purchases of American crude.
The imports highlight the challenges faced by local refiners in accessing Nigerian crude, despite efforts by the government to boost production.
Industry players attribute the shortage to earlier contracts between International Oil Companies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which prioritize exports over domestic supply.
While Dangote refinery ramps up to full capacity, its reliance on foreign crude sources underscores the need for increased domestic production to meet both refining and export demands.
Modular refiners have also emphasized the need for crude importation until Nigeria achieves sufficient production levels.
The development marks the first oil export from Brazil to Nigeria, according to data from the Latin American country’s commerce ministry.
Officials at Dangote and Petrobras, the state-owned Brazilian corporation that sold the cargo, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
