Dangote Refinery to Expand to 700,000bpd by December

The Dangote Refinery is set to increase its output capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2025, up from its current capacity of 650,000 bpd. This expansion is expected to enhance Nigeria’s position on the global refining map, potentially ranking it sixth among the world’s largest refining countries.

The planned capacity boost follows significant improvements in operational efficiency since the refinery began operations in early 2024. The facility has reportedly exceeded 100% output in several of its processing units, with one unit reaching 143% of its rated capacity.

According to top executives at Dangote Industries, the refinery’s performance gains have made it necessary to accelerate a phased expansion plan, which includes de-bottlenecking operations and introducing advanced processing technologies.

By July 2025, crude processing had already surged to 644,000 bpd, compared to 445,000 bpd the previous month. Between June and July alone, the refinery exported roughly 1.35 billion litres of petrol, equal to one million tonnes—highlighting its growing role in both local supply and international exports.

The upgrade is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined fuels while boosting export earnings and ensuring a more stable fuel supply chain domestically. However, despite its output, the refinery continues to face pricing challenges. Offshore fuel depots reportedly offer lower prices due to differences in port fees and access, which has led to ongoing debates among stakeholders in the downstream sector.

Once completed, the expansion will mark a significant milestone for Nigeria’s refining sector and further solidify the refinery’s role as a critical driver of energy self-sufficiency and economic diversification.