Dangote Boosts Product Exports to Asia Amid Growing Demand
In a strategic move to broaden its global reach, Dangote Refinery has significantly increased its exports to the Asian market in response to growing demand for refined petroleum products.
As Asia remains a key hub for fuel consumption, particularly in shipping and aviation, Dangote’s refined products are now being exported to critical markets such as Singapore, a global oil trading center, along with other Asian nations.
Singapore recently received another batch of low-sulfur straight-run fuel oil (LSSR) from Dangote Refinery, marking a shift in trade flows to a region that relies heavily on such imports for ship refueling.
The recent cargo bound for Singapore will consist of approximately 85,000 metric tons of low-sulfur straight-run fuel oil and 35,000 metric tons of slurry.
According to data from shipping analytics firm Kpler, Asia emerged as the top destination for fuel oil exports from Dangote Refinery in 2024.
In June of last year, Dangote Refinery exported its first shipment of approximately 124,000 metric tons (787,400 barrels) of LSSR from Nigeria to Singapore.
Following that shipment, the refinery sent an additional batch of about 157,000 metric tons in July, according to ship tracking data.
LSSR is typically mixed with other fuels to produce low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) for bunkering or used as feedstock in various refining processes, further expanding its utility in global energy markets.
Dangote Refinery’s push into international markets comes despite challenges with the Nigerian government.
A recent dispute arose over the Naira-for-crude deal, which would have allowed Dangote to purchase crude oil in Nigeria’s local currency, potentially lowering costs for consumers.
However, the Nigerian government failed to follow through on the agreement.
Additionally, the refinery has struggled to secure enough crude from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), forcing it to look abroad for supplies.
Despite these obstacles, Dangote Refinery has continued expanding its presence in global markets, ensuring consistent production and strengthening its position as a major player in the international fuel trade.
In addition to Asia, the refinery has made substantial inroads into other markets. For instance, it exported two consignments of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest energy company, highlighting its growing influence in the global energy sector.
Furthermore, the refinery has been supplying jet fuel to the United States, with reports indicating shipments of approximately 1.7 million barrels across six vessels to U.S. ports.
With this move, Dangote Refinery is not only meeting the demand of Asian markets but also positioning itself as a leading player in the global fuel trade. This expansion supports the company’s long-term growth strategy, ensuring that it remains competitive and responsive to the evolving needs of global energy consumers.
