In a significant shift in trade patterns, Nigeria’s Dangote refinery is preparing to export its first gasoline cargo outside the West African region, with the shipment destined for Asia, a source familiar with the development has confirmed.
The cargo, weighing approximately 90,000 metric tons, is expected to be loaded on June 22 by Mercuria, a global energy and commodities trading company. This marks a milestone for the refinery, which has until now supplied gasoline exclusively within West Africa since it began international exports in 2023.
The Dangote refinery, located in Lagos and with a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is one of Africa’s largest oil refining facilities. Its entry into broader international markets signals a growing influence in the global fuel supply chain.
A spokesperson for the refinery emphasized that their sales strategy is guided by market demand and competitive pricing. “We sell our products to those who are willing to give us the highest price. It’s the buyer’s right to take the products to any destination of their choice,” the spokesperson said.
The decision to export to Asia suggests both a response to favorable pricing opportunities and a step toward establishing Dangote refinery as a key player in global fuel trade, extending its reach beyond the continent.