By Izuchukwu Mayor, Lagos
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals said it has recorded a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy history, as it exported 44,000 barrels per day (b/d) of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol in March 2026.
The Refinery said this achievement has positioned Nigeria as a net exporter of petrol for the first time ever, with a surplus of approximately 3,000 b/d during the month.
According to the refinery’s statement in Lagos, this landmark performance marks a decisive turnaround for Africa’s largest oil-producing nation, which for decades relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products.
Industry experts are quoted as saying that the surge in exports, driven by rising output from the Dangote Refinery, is expected to deliver substantial foreign exchange (FX) inflows, thereby easing pressure on the domestic market while supporting overall macroeconomic stability.
The March export milestone underscores Nigeria’s accelerating progress toward self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and strengthens its ambition to become a competitive supplier in the global downstream energy market.
In a significant expansion of its international footprint, the Dangote Refinery also exported gasoline to East Africa for the first time, delivering a 317,000‑barrel cargo to Mozambique.
The shipment reflects growing regional demand as East African buyers diversify supply sources away from the Middle East Gulf amid ongoing supply disruptions. A further gasoline cargo from the refinery is scheduled for delivery to Beira, Mozambique this month.
The surge in exports, driven by rising output is expected to deliver substantial foreign exchange (FX) inflows, thereby easing pressure on the domestic market while supporting overall macroeconomic stability.
Supporting data from market intelligence firm Kpler showed that Nigeria’s gasoline imports fell sharply to 41,000 b/d in March, the lowest level ever recorded.
At the same time, crude oil supply to the Dangote facility climbed to approximately 565,000 b/d, the second-highest intake since the 650,000 b/d-capacity refinery began operations in late 2023. The figures point to strong processing rates and rising product yields across the complex.
Analysts say Nigeria’s transition from a major PMS importer to an exporter is poised to reshape regional trade flows and intensify competition in global fuel markets.
The development is also expected to add pressure to Europe’s already oversupplied gasoline market as Nigeria increasingly competes with traditional suppliers.
With rising output, expanding export markets, and declining imports, the Dangote Refinery’s performance signals a turning point for Nigeria’s energy sector, with stronger FX earnings, improved energy security, and a more influential role in the global petroleum product trade.
