Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported two cargoes of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates in June 2026 [1], [2].
The move marks the first time the facility has purchased feedstock from a Middle Eastern supplier. This diversification of supply sources is critical for the refinery as it scales operations to meet domestic energy needs and reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
The shipments totaled approximately 2 million barrels of crude [1]. The oil was sourced from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, known as ADNOC, and delivered to the refinery's site in Lagos [1], [2].
Owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, the facility has a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day [1]. By securing crude from the UAE, the refinery is diversifying its feedstock options beyond regional or traditional suppliers, a step necessary to maintain consistent output for the newly operational plant.
Industry traders reported the arrivals toward the end of June [1]. The strategic shift toward Middle Eastern crude suggests a willingness to engage in global markets to ensure the facility reaches full operational capacity.
“The move marks the first time the facility has purchased feedstock from a Middle Eastern supplier.”
This procurement signals a strategic shift for the Dangote refinery to ensure feedstock security. By breaking its reliance on a limited set of suppliers and tapping into the UAE's production, the refinery reduces the risk of operational downtime. If the facility can consistently maintain its 650,000-bpd capacity through diversified imports, it could significantly alter the West African energy trade and lower the cost of fuel within Nigeria.
