Dangote Refinery has ramped up its supply of petrol and fertiliser to African countries experiencing disruptions due to the ongoing Iran war. Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, disclosed this during a tour of the refinery on the outskirts of Lagos.
The refinery has already dispatched about 17 cargoes of gasoline to other African nations. Additionally, urea fertiliser exports have seen a recent rise as international buyers search for alternative supply sources.
Dangote stated that the refinery is increasing its output across the continent to mitigate the effects of global supply chain issues. Leveraging its position as Africa's largest refinery with a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels, the facility is crucial for regional supply stability.
“What I can do is assure Nigerians … and most of West Africa, Central Africa, and East Africa, we have the capacity to supply them,” Dangote said.
The refinery also possesses the capability to produce up to 3 million metric tonnes of urea annually. While a significant portion of this urea is typically exported to the United States and South America, more shipments are now being redirected within Africa.
“In the last couple of days, we’ve been looking to mostly African countries, which we were not doing before,” he added.
These developments occur amidst global oil supply disruptions stemming from military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran. These conflicts have impacted critical energy transit routes, notably the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 per cent of the world's oil supply passes.
Further exacerbating supply concerns are retaliatory strikes targeting energy infrastructure in the Middle East. This has led to significant price volatility, with crude oil prices surging to as high as $120 per barrel before a slight easing to around $110.
The global impact is being felt across Africa. South African farmers are reportedly facing increased diesel costs as their harvest season approaches. In Nigeria, recent reports indicate a surge in food prices in Lagos, coinciding with a spike in petrol costs observed in March 2026.
Despite operating at full capacity, the Dangote refinery is planning further expansions to enhance its supply capabilities. This strategic move aims to solidify its role in meeting regional energy and agricultural needs.
