Dangote Refinery Adapts to Lighter Crude Amid Operational Challenges

Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria has adjusted its operations to process lighter crude oil with an API gravity of 37-39 to maintain production amid challenges with its fluid catalytic cracker (RFCC). The shift aims to minimize disruptions and sustain output of gasoline and middle distillates.

Despite the RFCC downtime, the refinery continues to produce gasoline partly supported by increased imports. The refinery's outlook remains uncertain as the RFCC restart has faced delays, impacting the overall production levels.

Dangote's gasolin imports surged in January to help meet supply demands. The refinery's crude runs were estimated at 280,000-300,000 barrels per day in January, with expectations to hover around 300,000-320,000 barrels per day in February.

The RFCC's reliability issues pose risks to the refinery's operations and may lead to further delays in restarting the unit.