KEY POINTS
- Dangote Refinery imported about 1.46 billion litres of gasoline blendstock between January and May 2026.
- The imports helped sustain high petrol production and capacity utilisation above 100 per cent in May.
- Experts say blendstock use is standard globally but may increase foreign exchange pressure on Nigeria.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has revealed that Dangote Petroleum Refinery relied significantly on imported gasoline blendstock to support its fuel production between January and May 2026.
Data from the regulator showed that the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery imported about 1.46 billion litres of gasoline blendstock within the five-month period, even though it also received both domestic and imported crude oil supplies.
The report indicated that the imported intermediates were used to supplement refining operations and maintain high output levels of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
Gasoline blendstock refers to intermediate petroleum products used in refining processes to produce finished petrol that meets required quality and environmental standards. These materials are blended with other refinery outputs to improve fuel quality and increase production flexibility.
According to the data, the refinery imported 658.31 million litres in January, 306.89 million litres in February, 102.35 million litres in March, 147.37 million litres in April, and 240.59 million litres in May.
The figures show that imports fell between January and March before rising again in April and May, suggesting increased feedstock needs as production expanded.
In May, the refinery recorded a 63.3 per cent increase in blendstock imports compared to April, even as crude oil supply remained relatively strong.
The NMDPRA report also showed that the refinery operated at an average capacity utilisation of 101.25 per cent in May, producing about 44.7 million litres of petrol daily and supplying most of it to the domestic market.
Dangote Refinery Still Relied on Imported Blendstock
Despite receiving 17.92 million barrels of crude in May, the refinery still relied on imported blendstock to sustain output levels close to and slightly above its installed capacity.
Further breakdown showed that the refinery also produced diesel and aviation fuel in large volumes, with significant portions supplied locally while others were exported.
The data also revealed that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries remained non-operational during the period, leaving Dangote Refinery as the dominant refining facility in the country.
Energy experts say the use of gasoline blendstock is a common global refining practice that helps improve product quality, optimise operations, and boost output.
A professor of energy at the University of Lagos, Dayo Ayoade, explained that blendstocks are unfinished petroleum streams used to enhance refinery efficiency and meet fuel standards.
He said the practice allows refineries to adjust production processes and maintain steady output even when crude supply is not fully stable.
However, he noted that continued importation of blendstock raises concerns about foreign exchange outflows, even if it supports operational efficiency.
Overall, the report highlights that while Dangote Refinery has boosted Nigeria’s domestic fuel production significantly, imported intermediates still play an important role in sustaining its operations and meeting demand.
