The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has received its second crude oil cargo from Ghana, marking another step in its gradual shift toward sourcing more West African and Nigerian crude grades. The latest shipment, which arrived in November 2025, carried Ghana’s Sankofa crude. This is only the second time the refinery is sourcing crude from Ghana, but industry observers say it signals a growing preference for regional supply as the refinery adjusts its operations ahead of scheduled maintenance.
Industry data from energy analytics firm Kpler shows that crude deliveries to the Dangote refinery averaged around 380,000 barrels per day between September and November 2025. This figure is about 30 per cent lower than the volumes purchased during the July and August peak period. Analysts linked the decline to recurrent operational outages and the start of major maintenance activities at the refinery.
Kpler explained that most of the crude the refinery received in November was Nigerian, dominated by Bonny Light, followed by Amenam, Forcados, Utapate and Qua Iboe. The Sankofa cargo from Ghana was the only non-Nigerian grade in the supply mix. The firm added that Dangote is expected to keep relying mainly on Nigerian crude, supported by smaller volumes from other West African producers and possibly the United States.
According to the report, the reduction in crude intake is tied to the planned shutdown of two major units. The Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit, which has had repeated challenges with the regenerator system and spent part of the third quarter switching between offline and online modes, was shut down on December 4 for a two-month maintenance programme. The refinery also plans a one-week shutdown of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) in late January 2026.
As a result of these maintenance activities, the refinery has sharply reduced crude purchases from Europe. Supplies from the North Sea and Mediterranean regions, which previously made up a sizeable part of the refinery’s crude basket, have dropped significantly. These barrels are now being replaced by Nigerian and regional West African grades, which are easier to move quickly due to shorter voyage times.
Kpler noted that the lower crude intake at Dangote is already affecting Nigeria’s downstream market. With the RFCC unit offline until February 2026, the refinery’s petrol output is expected to fall to about 80,000 barrels per day, compared to recent production levels of between 100,000 and 130,000 barrels per day. This shortfall has increased Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol, especially from Europe.
The report revealed that Nigeria’s petrol imports rose sharply in November, reaching about 300,000 barrels per day—the highest level in 14 months. Most of these imports came from the Netherlands and Belgium. The rise in demand from Nigeria could push European refineries to increase their own crude runs to meet the additional supply needs.
The report further stated that Nigeria’s total refinery runs are expected to fall from about 450,000 barrels per day in October to between 320,000 and 350,000 barrels per day from December to February, due to the shutdowns at Dangote. A recovery is expected from March, with output potentially rising above 500,000 barrels per day by April 2026 as maintenance ends and all units return to service.
Despite the temporary drop in petrol output, the Dangote Refinery has assured Nigerians that fuel supply during the festive period and early 2026 will not be disrupted. Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, announced that the refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of petrol to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and another 1.5 billion litres in January 2026. He added that the refinery will increase supply to 1.7 billion litres in February 2026, representing an average of 60 million litres per day.
Dangote said the refinery has notified the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority about its plans. He explained that the company remains committed to ensuring stable fuel supply across the country, especially during the holiday season.
He stated, “In line with our commitment to national well-being, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February.”
The development has generated interest across the energy sector as stakeholders continue to monitor how the refinery’s maintenance plans, crude sourcing strategy and petrol output will shape Nigeria’s fuel supply situation in the months ahead.
