The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has ramped up its regional footprint with the export of 12 cargoes of refined petroleum products totalling 456,000 tonnes to five African countries, amid a growing fuel supply crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The PUNCH gathered on Sunday that the cargoes, sold through international traders on a Free on Board basis, were shipped to Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo, marking a significant milestone since the refinery attained its 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity in February 2026.

A senior official at the refinery, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, described the development as a reflection of growing confidence in Nigeria’s refining capacity and a shift in Africa’s fuel supply dynamics.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strengthened Nigeria’s presence in the regional energy market with the successful sales of 12 cargoes by traders, totalling 456,000 tonnes (456KT) of refined petroleum products.

“The shipments by traders, destined for countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana, and Togo, represent the refinery’s export of Premium Motor Spirit since achieving 650,000 barrels a day capacity in February 2026.

“The products were sold on an FOB (Free on Board) basis to international traders for deliveries to the above-identified countries of export,” the official said.

A total of 456,000 tonnes of refined petroleum products is equivalent to roughly 608 million litres, underscoring the massive scale of the shipments and their potential impact on fuel supply across multiple African markets.

The official further noted that the surge in export volumes aligns with recent reports indicating increased demand from several African countries grappling with fuel supply shortages and rising import costs linked to global market disruptions.

“This accomplishment underscores the Dangote Refinery’s capability to not only meet but also exceed Nigeria’s domestic fuel demands. It also demonstrates the refinery’s growing role in supplying high-quality Euro 5 gasoline and diesel to West Africa, a region long underserved and historically regarded as a dumping ground for lower-quality fuels, and other regions which have become destinations of exports,” he added.

According to him, the refinery’s production of Euro 5 standard gasoline and diesel is also a key factor driving patronage, as many African markets move to phase out lower-quality fuels.

The exports, the official explained, are expected to improve energy security in West, East, and Central Africa by reducing dependence on long-haul imports from Europe and the Middle East, while also cutting logistics costs and delivery timelines.

“By supplying neighbouring and other economies, the Dangote Refinery is expected to contribute to enhanced energy security in West, East, and Central Africa, reducing logistics and supply chain delays associated with long-distance fuel imports, lowering cost pressures on regional fuel markets through proximity sourcing, and building stronger trade relations between Nigeria and key African economies,” the official asserted.

The development signals a gradual reordering of Africa’s fuel supply chain, with Nigeria emerging as a refining hub following years of reliance on imports despite being a major crude oil producer.

The refinery official also addressed concerns that increased exports could tighten supply in the domestic market, insisting that adequate provisions had been made from the outset.

“Solid yes, it won’t affect meeting local demands, because we factored that into our strategy from the time we started constructing the refinery,” he stated.

“We have 54 countries in Africa, but how many of them have functional refineries? The reality is that demand will continue to rise, and we are positioning to meet both domestic and regional needs,” he added.

The export milestone comes as the Dangote refinery continues to scale operations, following its phased ramp-up and eventual attainment of full production capacity earlier this year.

Africa, despite being rich in crude oil resources, relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products due to limited refining capacity across the continent.

Recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have further exposed the vulnerability of many African countries, leading to fuel shortages and price volatility.

In response, several nations have increasingly turned to regional suppliers, with Nigeria’s Dangote refinery emerging as a key alternative due to its scale, proximity, and product quality.

A report by Bloomberg on Friday revealed that at least three African countries—South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya—have formally reached out to the refinery, while several others are making enquiries, as disruptions linked to the Iran war continue to choke global fuel supply chains.

According to the report, the refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand from across the continent.

A company executive confirmed that the facility “has been approached by South Africa and many other countries” seeking alternative fuel supply arrangements.

The report read, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has been approached by South Africa and many other countries to secure fuel supplies after the Iran war disrupted flows.

“South Africa is seeking a standard contract for fuel supplies with Nigeria, and other countries such as Ghana and Kenya have also reached out to Dangote for fuel supplies.”

This development follows earlier projections that the crisis in the Middle East is tightening the noose around Africa’s fuel supply chain, with many countries now running on just weeks of refined petroleum products as key import routes come under severe strain.

The sustained exports from the refinery would not only stabilise fuel supply across Africa but also boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and strengthen its strategic influence in the continent’s energy market.

The latest shipments underscore a broader trend of rising intra-African energy trade, positioning Nigeria at the centre of a new regional fuel distribution network.