Dangote Refinery Starts Production After Years of Construction Delays
SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery- the largest in the African continent, has started production after several years of construction delays. The 650,000 barrels per day plant has started producing diesel and aviation fuel.
The company had received the sixth and final crude oil cargo on 8th January. It received 1 million barrels of Agbami crude from the NNPC Ltd., thus completing the receipt of 6 million barrels of crude required for production startup. According to company officials, the test runs could begin as early as this week. NNPC is expected to supply additional four crude oil cargoes in the month of February.
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As per estimates, it may take several months for the crude distillation unit to move from test runs to full capacity production of high-quality fuels. The refinery expects an initial refining capacity of 350 barrels per day, which in turn will be ramped up to full production later this year.
Commenting on the development, the company noted that it is a big day for the country and that it is delighted to have reached the significant milestone.
The Dangote refinery is expected to make Nigeria self-sufficient on its fuel needs. It must be noted that the country currently depends on imports for most of its fuel requirements. Furthermore, the refinery will help the country export fuel to neighbouring West African countries.