The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has released tenders for the export of two fuel cargoes from its newly commissioned facility, according to trading sources familiar with the matter.
Anticipation has been high among Nigerians for products from the $20bn Dangote refinery since its inauguration in May last year by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, regulatory approvals have reportedly delayed the release of aviation fuel (Jet A1) and diesel for sale in the Nigerian market.
Despite the refinery starting petroleum product production in January, it continues to face hurdles in obtaining necessary regulatory clearances.
The first cargo, a 65,000 metric tonne load of low-sulphur straight run fuel oil, has been awarded to Trafigura and is set to load at the end of February.
The second tender, for approximately 60,000 tonnes of naphtha, is open until February 15, with loading details pending.
The Dangote refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, aims to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of fuel to West African countries.
While the refinery plans to deliver its first fuel cargoes to the domestic market soon, the offered fuels are typical products of processing light sweet crude without further upgrading capacity.
Upgrading units are expected to come online in the following months, as the refinery, owned by Aliko Dangote, gradually realizes its potential to reshape the fuel industry in the region.
Despite media inquiries, both Dangote and Trafigura have not provided comments on the matter.
