Dangote Refinery’s Gasoline Unit Could Remain Offline for Months
Nigeria’s massive Dangote Refinery, one of the world’s largest single-train refineries with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, faces an extended shutdown of its critical gasoline production unit that could last two to three months, sending shockwaves through global fuel markets.
The Residue Fluidised Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU), which processes 204,000 bpd, has been offline since August 29 following catalyst leaks. While the refinery initially targeted a September 20 restart, industry monitor IIR Energy now warns that major equipment replacements and repairs could extend the outage significantly.
The timing couldn’t be worse for global gasoline markets, which are already experiencing tightening conditions due to shutdowns at several Middle Eastern refineries. “This just adds fuel to the fire,” noted one gasoline trader, reflecting the market’s growing concerns.
The impact is already being felt worldwide. U.S. gasoline futures crack spread has jumped nearly 13% this week, reaching its highest level since August 19. In Northwest Europe, profit margins climbed roughly 23% to $19.31 per barrel as of Wednesday, marking their strongest level since late June.
Since beginning crude processing in January 2024, the Dangote Refinery has fundamentally reshaped global gasoline trade flows. EU and UK gasoline exports to Nigeria fell from around 200,000 bpd in 2024 to approximately 120,000 bpd in the first half of 2025. The refinery has also expanded exports outside West Africa, sending gasoline cargoes to Asia and even to the U.S. East Coast.
Source: angolanminingoilandgas.com
