Nigeria has reached a major milestone in its downstream petroleum sector, becoming a net exporter of petrol for the first time, driven by increased production from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.
The refinery exported an estimated 44,000 barrels per day (b/d) of gasoline in March 2026, resulting in a net export surplus of about 3,000 b/d for the month.
The development marks a significant shift for Nigeria, which has historically depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products.
Industry analysts say the breakthrough is expected to generate fresh foreign exchange inflows, reduce pressure on the domestic forex market, and strengthen macroeconomic stability.
In a further expansion of its export reach, the refinery delivered its first gasoline shipment to East Africa, sending a 317,000-barrel cargo to Mozambique.
Another cargo is scheduled for delivery to Beira in April, signaling growing regional demand as buyers diversify away from traditional supply sources.
Market intelligence firm Kpler reported that Nigeria’s gasoline imports dropped sharply to 41,000 b/d in March, the lowest level on record, while crude supply to the Dangote facility rose to about 565,000 b/d, reflecting strong refining activity at the 650,000 b/d-capacity plant.
The shift is expected to reshape regional fuel trade flows and increase competition in global gasoline markets, particularly in Europe, where supply is already considered oversupplied.
President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has previously credited reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for improving investor confidence and enabling large-scale investment in domestic refining.
With rising output and expanding export destinations, the development is being viewed as a turning point for Nigeria’s energy sector, with potential gains in foreign exchange earnings, energy security, and the country’s influence in global petroleum markets.
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