Dangote Refinery faces capacity challenge amid RFCC shutdown

Dangote Refinery Faces Refining Capacity Challenge Amid Prolonged Shutdown

Dangote Refinery is experiencing a refining capacity challenge due to the prolonged shutdown of its Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC), according to a report by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler. The $20 billion plant has been forced to import gasoline to ramp up its capacity, with imports surging to around 45,000 barrels per day in January.

The refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has resorted to using a lighter crude gravity of around 37-39 since the fourth quarter of 2025 due to the RFCC outage. This move has enabled the refinery to keep other units operational, despite the 200,000-barrel-per-day RFCC remaining offline. Kpler’s report, titled “Dangote H1 2026 Outlook: RFCC challenges keep runs capped and ramp-up uneven,” notes that the refinery’s constraints have led to increased imports of gasoline blending components to sustain supply.

The duration of the RFCC downtime and the refinery’s ability to sustain a stable ramp-up remain uncertain. Dangote Refinery has not officially commented on the RFCC downtime. However, the company’s Chief Executive, David Bird, recently reiterated the refinery’s commitment to ensuring fuel price and supply stability in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. In December, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, directed the sale of the refinery’s petrol at N739 per liter across MRS filling stations nationwide.

The refining capacity challenge at Dangote Refinery highlights the complexities of operating a large-scale refinery and the need for contingency planning to mitigate downtime. As the refinery works to address its RFCC issues, it is likely to continue importing gasoline to meet demand. The situation underscores the importance of reliable and efficient refining operations in ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products. With the refinery’s commitment to stability and supply, it is expected to continue playing a critical role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.