Business
Dangote Refinery Begins Petrol Production, Considers Export Amid Local Blockade
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially commenced petrol production at its facility in Lagos State, marking a significant milestone for the country’s energy sector.
The announcement was made on Monday by Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, during an interview on the Brekete Family show.
Edwin revealed that petrol production at the refinery began on Sunday, signalling the completion of one of the refinery’s key phases.
He added that while the company is prepared to meet domestic demand, there is a possibility that the petrol may be exported if local traders or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) do not purchase the product.
The refinery, which had already been producing aviation fuel, kerosene, and diesel, encountered challenges in distributing these products within Nigeria due to what Edwin described as a “blockade” by traders.
If similar issues arise with petrol, Dangote Refinery will be forced to export the fuel to other markets.
“We’ve been exporting aviation fuel, producing kerosene, and manufacturing diesel, but yesterday, we moved to the final stage by starting the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol,” Edwin said.
“The only thing left now is to start producing petrochemicals, which will happen soon.”
Edwin emphasised that Dangote Refinery is ready to supply as much petrol as the country needs. However, if the NNPCL or local traders continue to delay or block the lifting of products, the company will have no choice but to export the petrol, as they are already doing with jet fuel and diesel.
“While we are prepared to pump as much petrol as possible into the Nigerian market, if there’s no uptake from traders or the NNPC, we will export the product just like we’ve been doing with aviation fuel and diesel,” he explained.
This development is seen as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s fuel supply, as the Dangote Refinery has the capacity to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
However, the refinery’s readiness to export fuel if local consumption is not prioritised raises questions about the domestic distribution network and the role of traders and government agencies in ensuring a smooth flow of products within the country.
It has been noted that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) plan to renew their partnership in agribusiness.
The new project is to involve youth in the agriculture business, widen their horizons, and educate them about the agritech sector.
The general manager shared that “The foundation is not only providing grants but also building a system of mentorship, structure, and support that enables corps members to see agribusiness as a serious enterprise pathway.” The plan is to use the NYSC platform to engage youths.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, has revealed the government’s intention of placing women in the livestock transformation agenda that they have in store for Nigeria.
During a recent event, he praised women, describing them as the backbone of the country, and shared that the country will keep on needing their support, hence the inclusion of the agenda team.
He also praised the First Lady for the impact she has made in the country so far and her advocacy for women’s empowerment.
Nigerians react as a user claims and shares that the price of rice in Nigeria is already reducing.
“Rice prices are finally dropping, minimum wage can buy a bag now. Step by step, we’re getting there. Nigeria will work in our lifetime.”
It can be noted that rice was sold at ₦85k to ₦90k, however, according to a market survey, the price of rice has dropped to ₦56k to ₦62k.
Fire9ja Fashion Poll: Which Olandria Look Is Your Favorite?
Priscilla Mkambala and Juma Jux Celebrate 1st Wedding Anniversary
