…supplies one-fifth of Europe’s jet fuel imports as Nigeria strengthens position in global aviation fuel trade
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has extended its dominance of Europe’s jet fuel market, emerging as the continent’s largest supplier for the second consecutive month and further cementing Nigeria’s growing influence in the global refined petroleum products trade.
Latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced by the 700,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery were delivered to Europe in July, accounting for about 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month.
The latest performance follows a record 466,000 tonnes exported to Europe in June, when the Nigerian refinery overtook the United States to become Europe’s leading source of imported jet fuel.
Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery accounting for the largest single share, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.
The sustained performance highlights the refinery’s growing capacity to serve international aviation fuel markets and supply products that meet stringent global quality specifications.
Industry observers said Dangote’s growing presence is beginning to reshape established Atlantic Basin fuel trade flows, with European buyers increasingly accessing supplies from Nigeria alongside traditional sources in the United States, Middle East and Asia.
Located on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, the refinery’s scale, modern technology and export infrastructure have given it a strategic advantage in reaching international markets, particularly as global energy trade patterns continue to evolve.
The refinery’s growing export capacity has been supported by rising production. Jet fuel loadings at Dangote’s Lekki export terminal reportedly reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day.
The development comes amid changing global energy flows and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Although Europe received jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical dynamics have encouraged European buyers to diversify their supply sources.
Against this backdrop, Dangote Refinery has emerged as an increasingly important alternative supplier, reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the international refined petroleum products market.
Beyond aviation fuel, the refinery has also continued to expand exports of diesel, gasoline and other refined petroleum products to markets across Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.
According to David Bird, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the refinery’s expanding export footprint is strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high-value petroleum products.
The sustained growth in exports marks another significant milestone for the refinery, which is increasingly positioning Nigeria not only as a major crude oil producer but also as an emerging hub for the production and export of refined petroleum products.