Nigeria has moved into a new phase in its energy sector after the Dangote Oil Refinery produced more petrol than the country consumed in March 2026, enabling large-scale exports for the first time in decades.
The refinery recorded total petrol output of 1.49 billion litres during the month, with about 434 million litres shipped abroad, according to data assessed by Punch. This comes shortly after confirmation that the facility has become a net exporter of petrol.
Domestic consumption accounted for 1.06 billion litres of the total production, based on figures from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The surplus highlights a widening gap between local demand and refining capacity.
Operations at the refinery remained strong, with capacity utilisation averaging 93.62%. Daily production stood at 48.2 million litres, while 34.2 million litres were supplied to the Nigerian market each day.
The shift has pushed Nigeria into net exporter status, reversing decades of dependence on imported fuel despite being Africa’s largest oil producer.
In March alone, the country exported nearly 44,000 barrels per day of gasoline, slightly exceeding imports and resulting in a surplus of about 3,000 barrels per day.
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“Data from market intelligence firm Kpler showed that gasoline imports into the country dropped sharply to 41,000 barrels per day (b/d) during the month, the lowest level on record,” the refinery revealed via a statement.
“At the same time, crude supply to the Dangote facility rose to about 565,000 b/d, the second-highest intake since the 650,000 b/d refinery commenced operations in late 2023, indicating strong processing rates and increased product yield,” it added.
Nigeria’s fuel supply has long been constrained by underperforming state-owned refineries, forcing heavy reliance on imports and exposing the economy to global supply disruptions and foreign exchange pressures. The latest figures suggest that this pattern is beginning to reverse.
What this means for Africa
Nigeria’s transition from fuel importer to exporter signals a potential rebalancing of energy supply across Africa. Increased availability of refined products from within the continent could reduce reliance on external markets, improve energy security, and stabilise pricing dynamics.
It also positions Nigeria as a key regional supplier, with implications for trade flows, infrastructure development, and intra-African economic integration.
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Image Credit: The Sun
