Dangote Refinery Imports First UAE Crude Amid Nigerian Supply Constraints

Dangote Refinery purchased two cargoes of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, marking its first-ever procurement of Middle Eastern crude, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. The move diversifies the refinery’s feedstock amid persistent domestic supply constraints from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), despite the naira-for-crude deal that guaranteed 13–15 monthly cargoes in naira. In 2025, about 70% of the refinery’s crude came from Nigeria and 24% from the United States. The refinery, designed for Nigeria’s light sweet crude, aims to operate as a fully merchant refinery and has begun increasing the share of heavier crude grades in its mix, as noted by an executive in April. Crude oil prices had fallen below $70 per barrel last week but began rising on Monday after fresh strikes by the United States and Iran, despite a recent peace deal. This development highlights ongoing challenges in local crude output and the refinery’s strategy to reduce foreign‑exchange exposure. For readers, it signals potential shifts in fuel supply stability and pricing. Monitor official updates from Dangote Refinery and NNPCL for changes in supply agreements and consider how feedstock diversification might affect local fuel availability and cost.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/29/dangote-refinery-imports-first-crude-from-uae/