The Dangote Refinery has exported its first gasoline cargo to the United States (U.S.).The development, which marks a new milestone for the facility’s growing global footprint, was not immediately confirmed when The Guardian contacted the company’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina .
Argus reported that a Gemini Pearl loaded around 300,000 barrels of gasoline at Dangote’s Port on August 26 for U.S., with a likely discharge at New York or New Jersey, according to trade data from Kpler.
Market participants suggested that a trading firm, Vitol, might have chartered the vessel, although this has also not been confirmed. While this is the first Nigerian gasoline cargo to move to the U.S., Dangote has already shipped products eastwards. In June and July, the refinery exported three LR2 cargoes, two to the Middle East Gulf and one to Singapore.
Traders said the latest shipment appears to be driven by arbitrage opportunities, with U.S. Atlantic Coast gasoline prices rising and inventories falling.
The refinery is, however, still exporting low-sulphur straight-run fuel oil, suggesting its RFCC is operating at around 45-50pc capacity. The unit was shut in August for 10–15 days and has since restarted, but market sources said operational issues persist, including high metals content in the feedstock .