The Dangote Refinery will begin refining diesel and jet fuel in October, while petrol will begin in November 2023.
During the May commissioning of the 650,000 barrels per day facility, the company’s chairman, Mr Aliko Dangote, stated that the first production would take place in July or August, but this has been postponed.
ALSO READ: How Dangote Refinery will improve Nigeria’s oil production
Mr Devakumar Edwin, Executive Director of Dangote Group, told S&P Global Commodity Insights, “Right now, I’m ready to receive crude.
“We’re just waiting for the first vessel. So, as soon as it arrives, we can begin.”
Mr Edwin, who previously led Dangote Cement, is now in charge of the $19.5 billion refinery.
In the interview, he presented a precise production timeline, shed insight on crude and product flows, and outlined a litany of challenges and delays to the project since its inception in 2013.
He stated that the refinery, which former President Muhammadu Buhari officially opened in May, will commence operations in stages, commencing with 350,000 – 370,000 barrels per day of diesel and jet fuel by October, when the crude distillation unit, sulphur block, and hydrogen plant should be operational.
He also noted that towards the end of November, precisely November 30, the refinery will begin a staged ramp-up to 650,000 barrels per day.
“Most of this will be for fuel, which accounts for the majority of Nigeria’s energy demands”, he said.
ALSO READ: Buhari, five other African Presidents commission N19bn Dangote refinery in Lekki
The refinery’s maximum intended capacity of 650,000 barrels per day will make Nigeria self-sufficient in fuels while leaving extra for export.
Netizens react
@Holla: “Another lamba, We’re used to it anyway…😂😂”
@Chido: “Same story every month. Nigerians already used to lies.”
@Thenigerianwenger: “From August to September and from that October and now November. The next will be December to January.”
@Unclefolarin: “How many times have they shifted the date for it to commence full operation.”
@Baldy: “Please can we stop this lie, for now we say it is a lie till it start working.”