Nigeria's Dangote refinery is in talks with Libya to secure crude for the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) plant and will also seek Angolan oil, a senior executive said, as it seeks to overcome problems with domestic supplies.
The $20 billion refinery, built by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote on the outskirts of Lagos is Africa's largest and is designed to end Nigeria's dependence on imported fuels because of insufficient refining capacity.
Since Dangote began operations in January, it has been unable to get adequate crude supplies in Nigeria, which, although Africa's biggest oil producer, is struggling with theft, pipeline vandalism and low investment.
Dangote has resorted to importing crude from as far as Brazil and the United States.
"We are talking to Libya about importing crude," Dangote refinery senior executive Devakumar Edwin told Reuters late on Saturday. "We will talk to Angola as well and some other countries in Africa."
He declined to give details about the talks but said international traders and oil companies were among the biggest buyers of Dangote's gasoil, much of which was being exported.
"The biggest off-takers are the two big traders Trafigura and Vitol and BP and, to some extent, even TotalEnergies. But all of them are saying they are taking it to offshore," Edwin said.
Traders and shipping data have shown that Dangote is increasing gasoil exports to West Africa, taking market share from European refiners.
Edwin said Dangote's oil trading arm was operational, with staff in London and Lagos, to help manage supplies and sell products. Reuters first reported the planned trading arm in March.
Nigeria's upstream regulator has clashed with Dangote, saying the sulphur content in its gasoil was above the required limits of 200 parts per million (ppm).
Aliko Dangote has denied that, saying the sulphur level was higher when production started, but had fallen to 88 ppm and would sink to 10 ppm in early August as output rises.
Latest Stories
-
TEWU suspends strike after NLC directive, urges swift resolution of grievances
9 mins -
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
36 mins -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
1 hour -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
1 hour -
IPR Ghana@50: Pupils educated to keep the environment clean
2 hours -
PenTrust CEO named ‘Best Pensions CEO’, company wins ‘Scheme Administrator Award’ at Ghana Accountancy & Finance Awards 2024
2 hours -
Alan Kyerematen’s ‘Brighter Future for Health Professionals’ in Ghana Revealed in Bono
2 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: NPP will ensure a safer, cleaner and greener environment – Dr Kokofu
2 hours -
2024 Election: Police to deal with individuals who will cause trouble – IGP
2 hours -
Seychelles President’s visit rekindles historical and diplomatic ties with Ghana
2 hours -
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
2 hours -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
3 hours -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
3 hours -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
3 hours -
Playback: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
3 hours