KEY POINTS
- Nigerian gasoline exports reach the U.S. from Dangote refinery.
- First cargo delivered by Gemini Pearl in New York.
- Refinery exported 1 billion liters since June.
The first cargo of Nigerian gasoline from the Dangote refinery has arrived in the United States, signalling a landmark moment for Africa’s biggest oil-producing nation. The shipment highlights the refinery’s growing role in international trade and its ability to meet demanding U.S. fuel standards.
Reuters, citing unnamed sources and ship-tracking data, reported that the cargo was arranged by Sunoco and commodity trader Vitol. The vessel Gemini Pearl, a Panama-flagged carrier, docked at the Port of New York on Sunday, according to VesselFinder data.
The cargo consisted of 320,000 barrels of gasoline. Most of it was sold to Sunoco, with Vitol retaining a portion for its own operations. The deal reflects a new flow of Nigerian fuel into advanced markets where compliance with strict specifications is required.
U.S. shipment strengthens refinery’s position
Reuters also reported that another shipment from the Dangote refinery has been sold by Glencore to Shell and is expected in New York on September 19. The back-to-back cargoes suggest the refinery is quickly gaining traction with major trading houses and international buyers.
The 650,000-barrel-a-day facility, built by billionaire Aliko Dangote, is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Designed to cover the country’s domestic needs and export surplus volumes, it represents a shift in Africa’s largest crude producer from reliance on imports to establishing itself as a refined fuel exporter.
The refinery’s capacity is expected to fully meet Nigeria’s gasoline demand while sending excess to markets overseas. A first shipment was recorded in June with a destination in Asia, signaling early diversification.
Production has not been without setbacks. Earlier this month, the refinery briefly suspended gasoline output due to an issue with its catalytic cracking unit. Even so, Nigerian media reported the facility exported 1 billion liters of gasoline between June and early September, marking a significant milestone in a short time.
Nigerian gasoline exports gather pace
With its first U.S. cargo successfully delivered and more shipments scheduled, the Dangote refinery appears poised to reshape Nigeria’s energy sector.
The venture combines domestic supply stability with new global trade flows, adding weight to the country’s ambition to become a key player in refined product exports.
