After months of anticipation, the Dangote Refinery is set to kickstart fuel production as the first crude shipment has reached the facility. According to industry sources and tanker tracking data, the OTIS tanker, carrying a cargo of 950,000 barrels of Nigeria’s Agbami crude, is en route to Lekki, marking the initiation of crude supplies for the $19 billion refinery.
The state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), chartering the Suezmax tanker, signifies the commencement of crude supply to Dangote’s refinery. The refinery, officially completed in May, faced delays in production due to the absence of domestic crude feedstock. In a recent agreement, the NNPC, holding a 20% stake in the refinery, committed to supplying 6 million barrels of crude oil in December to jumpstart operations.
Agbami, a Chevron-operated deepwater development, is a significant source of light sweet crude in Nigeria, with a daily output of around 100,000 b/d in the central Niger Delta. Known for its specific gravity of 47.9 API and low sulfur content of 0.04%, Agbami is expected to contribute to the Dangote Refinery’s production of naphtha and kerosene. The arrival of the crude shipment marks a crucial milestone as the refinery gears up for full-scale production.
More Stories
Ex-CJN Onnoghen, FG opt for out-of-court settlement in case of ‘illegal dismissal’
Fintiri backs Damagum, as PDP BoT meets National Assembly caucus to deliberate party crisis
Israel nabs citizen allegedly recruited by Iran to assassinate Netanyahu