Nigerian modular refineries contributed 2.4% of diesel demand in December as Dangote Refinery increased petrol output to over 32 million litres daily
Nigeria’s modular refineries have joined the Dangote Refinery in supplying locally refined petroleum products, contributing modestly to the country’s fuel needs, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
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Figures released by the regulator on Saturday, January 17, show that only three modular refineries—Waltersmith, Edo Modular Refinery (EMR), and ARADEL—produced automotive gas oil (AGO) in December 2025.
Combined, the three facilities supplied about 0.392 million litres of diesel per day, representing 2.4% of Nigeria’s estimated daily diesel consumption of 16.4 million litres.
They accounted for 100% of diesel output from modular refineries during the period.
ARADEL Modular Refinery, located in Ogbele, Rivers State, emerged as the largest contributor.
With an installed capacity of 11,000 barrels per day and a utilisation rate of 53.89%, the plant supplied 0.289 million litres of AGO daily, accounting for over 70% of modular refinery diesel output.
The Edo Modular Refinery (EMR) in Ologbo, Edo State, recorded the highest utilisation rate at 85.43%.
Despite its smaller 6,000 barrels per day capacity, it delivered 0.052 million litres of diesel per day.
Waltersmith Modular Refinery, operating in Ibigwe, Imo State, supplied 0.051 million litres daily from its 5,000 barrels per day facility.
Production was limited to 13 days in December due to the ongoing commissioning of its second train.
Industry analysts note that without further capacity expansion and the commissioning of additional plants, modular refineries will continue to play a marginal role in stabilising Nigeria’s diesel supply.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery continues to dominate local fuel production. Data from the NMDPRA December factsheet shows that its petrol (PMS) output rose sharply from 19.47 million litres per day in November to 32.012 million litres per day in December 2025, a nearly 65% increase.
The privately owned refinery reached a peak capacity utilisation of 71% in December, pushing Nigeria’s total daily petrol supply to 74.2 million litres, up from 71.5 million litres per day in November.
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The surge in domestic supply has intensified competition in the downstream market, with private depots recently slashing diesel prices, slightly undercutting Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot price.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
