Dangote Group Considers Fuel Exports Amid Scarcity

The Dangote Group, led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is contemplating exporting petrol, diesel, and jet fuel from its refinery in Lekki, Lagos State, as Nigeria faces a fuel scarcity crisis. This consideration comes after reports that the Nigerian midstream and downstream petroleum regulatory authority (NMDPRA) has issued import licenses for petrol, despite their denials.

Sources within the Dangote Group claim that at least six companies have received import licenses, contradicting NMDPRA's assertions. The refinery produces an average of 36 million liters of fuel daily, while national consumption stands at 56 million liters, creating a significant shortfall.

The situation has prompted South African authorities to reach out to the Dangote refinery to secure fuel supplies amid global disruptions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has exacerbated global fuel shortages, leading to increased prices in Nigeria.

The NMDPRA continues to deny the issuance of import licenses for petrol, maintaining that no licenses have been granted for the year.