NNPC Reveals Reasons for Shutting Down Refineries; Dangote Plans Expansion

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed reasons for the shutdown of Nigeria's four government-owned refineries, citing commercial losses, low utilization rates, and increasing operational costs. The combined installed capacity of the refineries in Warri and Kaduna is 445,000 barrels per day (bpd), with the Warri refinery designed for 125,000 bpd and the Kaduna refinery for 110,000 bpd.

NNPC's Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, explained that the refineries are no longer commercially viable under current conditions, operating at only 50-55% capacity, leading to significant financial losses. The decision to halt operations aims to prevent further losses and reassess future options for the refineries.

Additionally, Dangote Refinery plans to expand its capacity from 650,000 bpd to 1.4 million bpd to meet Africa's increasing fuel demand, reduce import dependence, and create 65,000 jobs.