Nigeria recorded a historic shift in its downstream petroleum trade in March, emerging as a net exporter of fuel for the first time, driven largely by rising output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.

This was contained in a statement from the refinery yesterday. Data from market intelligence firm Kpler showed that fuel imports into the country dropped sharply to 41,000 barrels per day (b/d) during the month, the lowest level on record.

It added that at the same time, crude supply to the Dangote facility rose to about 565,000 b/d, the second-highest intake since the 650,000 b/d refinery commenced operations in late 2023, indicating strong processing rates and increased product yield. According to the statement, total fuel exports from the refinery rose to 44,000 b/d in March, compared to no exports recorded in January and February.

This shift enabled Nigeria to post a net export position of approximately 3,000 b/d for the month. It further stated that in expanding its market reach, the Dangote Refinery exported fuel to East Africa for the first time, shipping a 317,000-barrel cargo to Mozambique.

The move reflects growing demand in the region as buyers seek alternatives to Middle East Gulf supplies amid ongoing disruptions. Another April shipment from the refinery is also bound for Beira, Mozambique.

“Nigeria’s emergence as a fuel exporter is expected to reshape regional trade flows and intensify competition in global markets. Analysts note that the development adds pressure to Europe’s already oversupplied gasoline market.