Lagos, Nigeria — The Dangote Refinery has shipped its first petrol cargo to the United States, marking a landmark step in Nigeria’s ambitions to become a global exporter of refined products.

Vessel-tracking data from analytics firm Kpler and market sources confirmed that the tanker Gemini Pearl departed the Lekki-based refinery on August 26, 2025, carrying about 300,000 barrels of gasoline. The shipment is expected to discharge at either the Port of New York or New Jersey, making it the first direct Nigerian petrol cargo to reach the U.S.

The move highlights the refinery’s growing international reach. In June and July, Dangote exported three LR2 cargoes, two to the Middle East Gulf and one to Singapore. Analysts say the U.S. delivery was likely driven by arbitrage opportunities, with U.S. Atlantic Coast gasoline prices rising amid tight inventories in PADD 1 (East Coast).

Traders note that the refinery has already supplied fuel to the Middle East during periods of shortage, positioning it as a flexible supplier. Europe may also emerge as a destination for Nigerian petrol if refining efficiency, particularly at the residual fluid catalytic cracking (RFCC) unit, continues to improve.

The development comes as global oil benchmarks rose this week. Brent crude gained 1.63% to $69.26 per barrel, while WTI rose 2.78% to $65.79 per barrel. In Nigeria, the surge has contributed to higher ex-depot prices, with Lagos depots such as Rainoil and NIPCO selling petrol at ₦850 per liter, and prices hitting ₦870 per liter in Calabar and Port Harcourt.

Industry observers say the refinery’s breakthrough shipment to the U.S. signals a potential turning point for Nigeria, shifting its profile from a major importer to an emerging exporter of refined fuel to advanced markets.