Seven new modular refineries to begin operations in Nigeria next year

George Maher-Bonnett of Argus Media said at the OTL Africa Downstream conference in Lagos that seven modular refineries are expected to start operating in Nigeria next year, with a combined capacity of 83,000 barrels per day. Four facilities were operating in September with a total capacity of 32,000 barrels per day, so the planned additions would raise modular refining capacity to more than two and a half times that level. The proposed refineries’ owners, locations, individual capacities and commissioning dates were not disclosed. Maher-Bonnett also reported that Nigerian fuel demand has declined this year, while output from the Dangote refinery is helping improve self-sufficiency and making some European imports less attractive.