The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) has identified the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a major driver of the sharp increase in Nigeria’s seaborne petroleum product exports since 2023.
According to the latest EIA report, Nigeria’s seaborne petroleum product shipments averaged 561,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the second quarter of 2026, compared with an annual average of 79,000 bpd in 2023.
The report attributed the significant increase largely to the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery in January 2024, saying higher refinery output has strengthened Nigeria’s position in the international petroleum products market.
Data from energy intelligence firm Vortexa showed that about 350,000 bpd of the 561,000 bpd shipped during the second quarter of 2026 were exported, compared with an annual average of 46,000 bpd in 2023.
The EIA said the increased production had also reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products while improving domestic supply.
“With increased supply of petroleum products from the country’s largest refinery, imports fell, exports increased, and Nigeria became more self-sufficient in refined petroleum products,” the agency said.
Before the Dangote Refinery began operations, Nigeria’s state-owned refineries collectively shipped less than 100,000 bpd of petroleum products for domestic and international markets.
The EIA said shipments increased substantially after the Dangote refinery came on stream and received another boost following maintenance and expansion works completed in February 2026.
The refinery’s crude distillation capacity subsequently increased from 650,000 bpd to 700,000 bpd, allowing it to produce and supply larger volumes of refined petroleum products.
Hormuz disruptions boost demand
The EIA also linked the increase in Nigeria’s petroleum product shipments to supply disruptions caused by the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, which created additional demand for refined products from alternative suppliers.
The development has further opened opportunities for Nigerian petroleum products in international markets as buyers seek alternative sources amid supply constraints in other regions.
Domestic supply also rises
The increase has not been limited to exports, as intra-Nigerian petroleum product shipments also recorded substantial growth.
The EIA reported that domestic shipments reached 211,000 bpd in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 81,000 bpd in 2025 and just 33,000 bpd in 2023.
The figures highlight the growing role of the Dangote Refinery in supplying petroleum products within Nigeria while simultaneously expanding the country’s presence in the international refined-products market.
