PENGASSAN pushes to open Africa’s fuel market to Dangote products

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has advocated for the free trade of Dangote Refinery products across Africa, emphasizing it would be advantageous for the country and the continent. PENGASSAN's President, Festus Osifo, shared this stance during an interview at the second West Africa Refined Fuel Market Conference in Abuja.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had urged for a functioning West African fuel market, highlighting how Dangote Refinery is reshaping regional supply chains. Osifo viewed the conference positively, stating that such platforms help address issues impeding efficient fuel supply. When questioned about expanding Nigeria's refinery capacity and attracting more investors, he agreed, stressing the importance of a supportive fiscal environment and secure fuel stocks.

The House Committee on Petroleum Resources Chairman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, also backed the calls for a regional fuel price benchmark, calling for legislative support. S&P Global Energy's Head of Platts, Vera Blei, advocated for a reliable, independent benchmark pricing system, acknowledging Dangote Refinery's full capacity. The refinery exported 456,000 tonnes of refined petroleum products in March 2026, with 75% of output reserved for Nigeria and the rest for export.

As of February, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had reached full designed capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, marking the first refinery globally to achieve this scale.