The Global News reports that Dangote Refinery is scheduled to commence the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to marketers starting next month, May 2024.
The commencement of PMS distribution from the Dangote Refinery will significantly reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported petrol. Prior to the operation of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, the country relied almost entirely on imported petrol to satisfy demand.
According to sources quoted by Bloomberg, the Dangote Refinery is expected to start supplying PMS to the domestic market in May. The refinery commenced operations in January and recently completed its first export, shipping 65,000 metric tons of low-sulfur straight run fuel oil and around 60,000 tons of naphtha. Currently, it is operating at an initial processing rate of 350,000 barrels per day, with intentions to gradually increase towards its maximum capacity.
According to information provided by Dangote Refinery, once operating at full capacity, the facility will have the capability to produce 99 million liters (equivalent to 26.2 million gallons) of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and kerosene per day.
Abubakar Maigandi, the head of independent petroleum marketers, confirmed that the Marketers have already begun transporting diesel from the refinery. Importantly, the payments for these transactions will be made in naira.