In a significant development, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced exports of refined petroleum products to neighboring West African countries, potentially disrupting regional fuel markets.
According to Bloomberg, a tanker, CL Jane Austen, has shipped over 300,000 barrels of gasoline from the refinery to Togo’s coastal waters. This move follows Ghana’s consideration to import petroleum products from Dangote to reduce expensive European exports, which cost the country $400m monthly.
Ghana National Petroleum Authority Chairman, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, emphasized the benefits of importing from Nigeria: “If the refinery reaches 650,000bpd capacity, importing from Nigeria will reduce prices by removing freight costs.”
Newsmen exclusively reported that the refinery is set to export fuel to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, with negotiations underway with Niger Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Central Africa Republic.
A credible source confirmed: “Talks are at an advanced stage with Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, while initial discussions are ongoing with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.”
Although the initial shipment is modest, it signals Dangote’s production ramp-up and potential to export significant gasoline volumes, potentially upending regional markets.
