Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa's largest, has commenced exporting refined petroleum products to neighboring West African countries.
A recent shipment of gasoline totaling more than 300,000 barrels was recently transported by the CL Jane Austen tanker from Africa's largest oil refinery in Nigeria to waters off Togo, marking a significant step toward potentially reshaping regional fuel markets, US media reported.
It was not clear whether the shipment was destined for Togo or another West African country, as the vessel was spotted off the coast of the Togolese capital, Lome, a popular area for ship-to-ship transfers.
The export signals the expansion of Dangote's production capacity and the possibility of large-scale gasoline exports beyond Nigeria. This development could disrupt existing fuel import patterns and potentially reduce costs for importing countries, according to the report.
While the initial shipment is relatively small, it's seen as a pivotal moment, potentially opening up new avenues for competition and cheaper fuel options for countries like Togo.
Discussions are also underway with several other African countries, including Ghana, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic, for further fuel export agreements, according to Nigerian media. However, official confirmation from Dangote remains elusive.