Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of Dangote Refinery, announced plans to expand the company’s 650,000‑barrel‑per‑day refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day, aiming to become the world’s largest refinery. The intention was disclosed during a briefing in Lagos on Sunday. If realized, the expanded plant would surpass the current leader, India’s Jamnagar Refinery, which produces 1.24 million barrels per day. The project also includes boosting polypropylene output from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually. Dangote did not provide a timeline or details on how the ambitious expansion will be achieved, but the announcement underscores the company’s commitment to growth and dominance in the refining sector.
Recently, Dangote Refinery launched a direct petrol‑supply scheme, yet it has faced operational setbacks that have delayed and halted deliveries to marketers who have already paid. Bloomberg reported that these challenges have hampered the refinery’s ability to supply petrol nationwide, contributing to sharply rising retail prices. As of Sunday, filling stations in Abuja were selling petrol at between ₦950 and ₦965 per litre.
The expansion plan arrives at a critical juncture for the company, as it seeks to address current supply problems and reinforce its market position. Increasing the refinery’s capacity could not only enhance production but also help stabilize petrol supplies in Nigeria, potentially easing price pressures. As Dangote Refinery moves forward, industry stakeholders and consumers will be closely watching its ability to overcome operational hurdles and achieve its ambitious goals.
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