Dangote Refinery hits record US crude import on local shortfall

Crude deliveries to Nigeria’s 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Petroleum Refinery surged to a new monthly high in June, bolstered by the highest-ever intake of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, according to tracking data from Argus Media.

According to data tracked by Argus, the refinery took in an average of 445,000 bpd in June, up from the previous high of 420,000 bpd in May.

This marks the highest monthly intake since the refinery began receiving crude at the tail end of 2023. Over the first six months of 2025, crude receipts averaged 395,000 bpd, underscoring the facility’s progressive ramp-up toward full-scale operations.

The surge in June was primarily driven by record volumes of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, which accounted for over 175,000 bpd, transported via two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and a Suezmax tanker.

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Meanwhile, Nigerian domestic grades made up the majority of the receipts at around 270,000 bpd, including key crudes such as Escravos, Bonny Light, Amenam, Okwuibome, Forcados, and Odudu.

Refinery surpasses initial ramp-up target

The Dangote Group had initially announced a target of 350,000 bpd as part of the refinery’s first-phase run rate. The sustained rise in receipts suggests that the facility has not only met that target but is now operating well above it, albeit still short of its nameplate capacity.

“The scale and consistency of deliveries in June reflect operational maturity and a step closer to achieving the refinery’s full capacity,” an industry analyst said. “This level of crude intake also signals growing confidence among suppliers, both domestic and international.”

Quality slate maintained

A key feature of the Dangote Refinery’s operation is its focus on maintaining a consistent and high-quality crude slate.

Argus reported that the refinery’s weighted average gravity for crude deliveries in June stood at 36.8° API with a sulphur content of 0.2 percent, a near-identical match to May’s quality levels.

For the first half (H1) of 2025, the average slate was 36.1° API and 0.2 percent sulphur, aligning closely with projections for March–December 2024.

This consistency is crucial for refinery optimisation and product yield, especially in producing high-grade petroleum products such as low-sulphur diesel, jet fuel, and petrol, which the Dangote facility is expected to supply at scale.

Strong start to July

Looking ahead, early July data indicate the positive trend is set to continue.

More than three million barrels of Nigerian crude Forcados, Okwuibome, and Escravos are expected to be delivered within the first week of July.

In addition, the VLCC Horten, carrying WTI, is expected to arrive within 48 hours. Two more large shipments, VLCC Almi Atlas and a Suezmax tanker, are scheduled to deliver another 3–3.2 million barrels of WTI over the first three weeks of July.

This delivery schedule suggests that the Dangote Refinery could potentially break its June record and sustain elevated intake volumes through July, enhancing supply to Nigeria’s domestic fuel market and positioning itself as a key player in West Africa’s refined products trade.

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Implications

The ramp-up comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria, which has long relied on imported fuel despite being a major crude producer.

The operational expansion of the Dangote Refinery is expected to drastically reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products, improve its trade balance, and stabilise local fuel supply.

It also holds implications for regional energy security and the broader economic landscape. With refining margins tightening globally and a growing push toward energy independence, the refinery could emerge as a dominant supplier across West Africa and beyond.

Furthermore, the strong intake of U.S. WTI highlights the refinery’s ability to compete in global crude markets and manage a diverse feedstock portfolio.

U.S. crudes are often seen as more competitively priced and offer favorable refining characteristics, making them an attractive complement to Nigeria’s own high-quality grades.