The 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reportedly commenced a test-run for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
According to a Reuters report, the test-run is a precursor to full-scale operations, which are expected to begin by mid-September.
The report, citing IIR Energy, an oil industry monitor, noted that while the test-run has started, the actual commencement date for full production could still face delays. “It is possible that there could be further extensions,” IIR Energy mentioned in a note to clients.
This development aligns with earlier statements from the Nigerian government, which had projected the refinery’s petrol production to begin in September 2024. The statement was made by a committee led by Finance Minister Wale Edun, focusing on the implementation of crude oil sales in Naira to the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries.
Despite these updates, neither the refinery nor its owner, Aliko Dangote, has issued new comments regarding the commencement of operations. Dangote had previously announced several start dates, with the most recent being mid-August 2024, following a series of delays that moved the target from June to July, and then to August.
As the refinery deals with a crude supply crisis and other challenges, all eyes are on its ability to deliver on its latest promises of easing Nigeria’s dependency on imported petrol.
