Nigeria has reached a historic milestone in its downstream oil sector, emerging as a net exporter of petrol for the first time, largely driven by increased production from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Industry data shows that the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility exported about 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) of petrol in March 2026, resulting in a surplus of roughly 3,000 bpd for the month.

The development marks a major turnaround for a country that has long relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products.

The shift from import to export reflects a structural transformation in Nigeria’s oil trade, with positive implications for foreign exchange earnings, energy security, and regional fuel supply dynamics.

In a significant expansion of its export reach, the refinery also delivered a 317,000-barrel cargo of petrol to Mozambique—its first shipment to East Africa. Another consignment is expected to be delivered to Beira in April, underscoring growing regional demand as buyers seek alternatives to Middle Eastern supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Data from Kpler further revealed that Nigeria’s petrol imports plunged to 41,000 bpd in March, the lowest level on record, highlighting the rapid displacement of imports by local refining.

It would be recalled that in September last year, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, projected that the refinery would turn Nigeria into a net exporter of fuel while ending decades of fuel scarcity.

“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.

Nigeria becomes net petrol exporter as Dangote Refinery ships 44,000bpd