Dangote Refinery has exported its first gasoline cargo to the U.S., marking a new global milestone despite ongoing operational challenges.
The Dangote Refinery has exported its first gasoline cargo to the United States, a milestone for Africa’s largest refinery as it expands its global market presence.
Argus reported that the vessel Gemini Pearl loaded about 300,000 barrels of gasoline at Dangote’s port on August 26, with likely discharge in New York or New Jersey, citing Kpler trade data.
Market sources suggested Vitol may have chartered the vessel, though this has not been confirmed.
This marks the first Nigerian gasoline cargo headed for the U.S., following earlier shipments to the Middle East Gulf and Singapore in June and July.
Traders attributed the latest export to arbitrage opportunities amid rising U.S. Atlantic Coast gasoline prices and falling inventories.
The refinery continues to export low-sulphur straight-run fuel oil, with its RFCC unit operating at roughly 45–50 percent capacity after a brief shutdown in August.
Market participants noted persistent operational issues, including high metals content in feedstock.
Meanwhile, Aliko Dangote, in a resurfaced Bloomberg interview, stressed he built his business empire from scratch. “One thing that I’m very, very proud of is that I did not inherit any money from my father. I built everything from scratch to where I am,” he said.