There are indications that the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced a production test-run of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) before it is released in September.
This is according to a recent report by Reuters.
The publication stated that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is undergoing test runs for petrol production, with full operation expected to commence by mid-September.
Citing a note by IIR Energy, an oil industry monitor, the publication said the commencement date could be extended further.
According to the report, IIR said in a note to clients that “it is possible that there could be further extensions”.
Recall that the Nigerian government had said Dangote Refinery would commence petrol production in September 2024.
This was contained in a statement by a Nigerian Government Committee headed by Finance Minister, Wale Edun on the implementation of crude oil sale in Naira to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries.
However, Dangote Refinery or its owner, Aliko Dangote has not issued any comments on the commencement, except the mid-August, which he earlier announced in July 2024.
Dangote has announced several dates that the refinery would commence petrol production, which did not materialize.
Recall that Dangote announced on May 18, 2024, that from June, the refinery would begin producing petrol, adding that Nigeria would not have to import the product again.
Similarly, in June, he stated that due to a minor delay, the refinery would commence petrol supply in July.
The July target was then moved to August before the government announced on August 20 that the plant would release PMS in September.
The development comes as the refinery grapples with a crude supply crisis and other challenges
