The Dangote Refinery has achieved a historic milestone by exporting its first petrol shipment to the United States, marking a significant step for Nigeria’s refined product trade. According to global analytics firm Kpler, the vessel Gemini Pearl departed the Lekki facility on August 26 carrying about 300,000 barrels of gasoline, with delivery expected at either the Port of New York or New Jersey.
This marks Nigeria’s first direct petrol export to the US, although the refinery has already sent consignments to the Middle East and Singapore in previous months. Analysts say the move reflects an arbitrage strategy, as soaring RBOB gasoline prices and tight stockpiles on the US East Coast create strong demand. With this shipment, the refinery is cementing its place as a flexible global fuel supplier.
Oil prices surged in tandem, with Brent crude rising 1.63% to $69.26 per barrel and WTI climbing 2.78% to $65.79. The impact is also evident in Nigeria, where ex-depot prices have risen: Lagos (₦850/litre), Warri (₦865), Calabar (₦870), and Port Harcourt (₦870). Experts believe further efficiency gains at the refinery could open Europe as the next key market, reinforcing Nigeria’s economic footprint worldwide.
