Nigerians Pray for Success of New Oil Refinery to Lower Petrol Prices
In Kano, a deeply religious city in northern Nigeria, locals recently held a special prayer for the new Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is set to start producing petrol next month. This new $19 billion refinery is expected to significantly increase petrol availability and lower prices. It’s one of the world’s largest refineries and was built by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
The refinery, which started producing diesel and aviation fuel earlier this year, aims to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuels. This is crucial because, despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria’s own refineries have not been operational.
Many Nigerians hope that the refinery will ease the long-standing fuel shortages and high prices, which have worsened since government subsidies were removed last year. The new facility is expected to produce more fuel than the country currently uses, potentially lowering prices and making fuel more accessible.
While the new refinery is seen as a positive development by many, there are concerns about its environmental impact and the potential for future issues if the refinery faces problems. Some worry that relying solely on this refinery might be risky.
For shop owner Lado Danladi in Kano, the success of the refinery means cheaper and more reliable fuel for his business. He, along with others in similar situations, hopes the refinery will alleviate the difficulties caused by past fuel shortages.
This story highlights both the hope and concern surrounding the new refinery, reflecting the broader challenges Nigeria faces in managing its energy sector.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck5g99z18r6o