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Dangote Refinery CEO Predicts Prolonged Fuel Shortages Post-Iran Conflict
Global fuel shortages are likely to continue well beyond the end of the U.S. conflict with Iran, driven by lasting damage to refining infrastructure and the need to replenish national stockpiles, according to David Bird, chief executive officer of Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery.
Lasting Damage to Supply Chains
Bird noted that the industry entered the recent conflict with high refinery utilization rates, leaving little spare capacity to absorb shocks. He said that Middle East refineries, in particular, have suffered from a combination of war-related damage and delayed maintenance while attempting to meet persistent demand.
Furthermore, the CEO said that nations are now prioritizing supply security and discussing plans to increase their strategic inventories. This widespread effort to rebuild stocks will add significant demand pressure and extend the time required for fuel markets to normalize, Bird explained.
Market Disruption Fuels Profit Turnaround
AdThe CEO's assessment comes as global energy markets contend with disruptions from conflicts involving the United States and Iran, as well as Russia and Ukraine. These events have damaged refining capacity and disrupted exports, leading to global shortages of gasoline and diesel.
Dangote has benefited from the tight market conditions. According to its IPO prospectus released on Monday, the refinery reported a first-half after-tax profit of $1.82 billion. This marks a significant turnaround from a $476 million loss recorded for the previous full year.
Dangote's Expansion Plans
Amid the favorable market environment, Dangote is pursuing a major expansion. The company is preparing to double its capacity to match the world’s largest facility, the Jamnagar Refinery in India. Additionally, the firm plans to construct a second refinery in Kenya.
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