Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply received a boost as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) doubled crude oil deliveries to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in March. The refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, received 10 cargoes last month, up from an average of five per month since late 2024, raising hopes for better fuel availability.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, confirmed the shipments included six cargoes paid for in naira and four in dollars under the existing crude supply arrangement with NNPC.

Industry experts noted that while the increase in supply is promising, price relief at the pump may depend on government intervention to reduce the cost of locally supplied crude. “More crude supply is a positive step for fuel availability, but Nigerians may not see lower prices without a crude subsidy,” said Jeremiah Olatide, CEO of

Despite the increase, the refinery still operates below its optimal capacity, which requires around 19 cargoes per month. Dangote highlighted the need to import additional crude from the United States and other African countries to meet production targets.
The refinery has also been exporting petroleum products across Africa, with 17 cargoes shipped to neighboring countries in March, reflecting its growing role as a regional supplier. Production of polypropylene, a key industrial material, is also being scaled up to meet high demand.

The crude-for-naira deal, signed in October 2024, was designed to encourage local refining, stabilize fuel prices, and conserve foreign exchange. While challenges remain, including competition from international traders, increased allocations signal a strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imports amid global supply disruptions.