Dangote Refinery Expands Feedstock Strategy, Sources Crude from Ghana as Output Nears Full Capacity
Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has, for the first time, sourced crude oil from Ghana, reflecting its ongoing diversification strategy as the $20 billion project works to stabilize output and address speculation about technical setbacks.
Since production began, Dangote Refinery has imported crude from Nigeria, Brazil, Angola, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea, according to Devakumar Edwin, Executive Director at Dangote Industries.
Energy intelligence firm Kpler reported that in August, the refinery received five Nigerian Suezmaxes, two U.S.
Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), and a single Ghanaian cargo. The Ghanaian crude, Sankofa grade, is a medium-sweet variety with 29 API gravity and 0.3% sulfur content, highlighting Dangote’s growing focus on supply flexibility.
The Dangote Refinery is operating more reliably than ever, with output reaching approximately 610,000 barrels per day (bpd) in August, close to its 650,000 bpd nameplate capacity, according to Argus Media.
Benedict George, Editor of the Argus European Products Report, said the facility had exceeded industry expectations in 2025, with steady growth in crude receipts and run rates.
Kpler’s data showed throughput of 450,000 bpd, or 70% of capacity, in August—up from 400,000 bpd, or 60%, in the first quarter.
This growth underscores a steady rise despite ongoing scrutiny of the refinery’s technical resilience.
In July, the refinery had already seen U.S. light sweet crude surpass Nigerian barrels in its intake mix for the first time.
By incorporating Ghanaian crude, Dangote demonstrates a pragmatic approach to supply security, balancing local sourcing commitments with operational consistency.
Concerns persist regarding the refinery’s reliance on Nigerian crude, particularly around supply stability and market dynamics.
Dangote Industries previously indicated that the refinery would prioritize local crude and gradually reduce imports.
A company representative told Bloomberg in June:
“We expect some long-term contracts will expire. Personally, and as a company, we expect that before the end of the year, we can transition 100% to local crude.”
In practice, however, Dangote’s feedstock strategy is shifting toward diversification, signaling an operationally cautious but strategically sound approach. This strategy seeks to reassure markets while maintaining reliable refinery output.
The refinery’s record intake levels, combined with new supply links from Ghana, indicate a facility still fine-tuning operations amid complex logistical and market realities.
As Africa’s largest refining complex, Dangote Refinery remains central to Nigeria’s energy security and broader plans to stabilize fuel supply.
