Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has emerged as Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel for the second consecutive month, overtaking the United States and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global aviation fuel market.
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-barrel-per-day refinery were delivered to Europe in July.
The volume accounted for approximately 20 per cent of Europe’s total jet fuel imports during the month.
The performance followed a record 466,000 tonnes exported to Europe in June, when Nigeria first displaced the United States as the region’s leading supplier of imported aviation fuel.
Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery accounting for the single largest share, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.
The sustained export performance highlights the refinery’s growing ability to supply aviation fuel that meets international quality standards to one of the world’s most demanding markets.
Industry observers said Dangote Refinery is reshaping established Atlantic Basin fuel trade flows by providing a competitive alternative to long-standing suppliers.
European buyers have traditionally relied on refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia, but Dangote’s location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, combined with its scale, technology and export capacity, has made it an increasingly important source of aviation fuel.
The refinery’s export momentum has also been supported by rising production.
Jet fuel loadings at Dangote’s Lekki export terminal 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 throughput provided the volumes required to sustain growing exports of refined petroleum products to international markets.
The latest figures come amid changing global energy flows and supply disruptions linked to geopolitical developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
Although Europe received limited volumes of jet fuel from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, market uncertainty encouraged buyers to diversify their supply sources.
Against that backdrop, Dangote Refinery has emerged as a reliable and competitive supplier, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing importance in the international refined products market.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the refinery had also continued to expand exports of diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products to destinations across Europe, Africa and other international markets.
According to him, the development is further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high-value petroleum products.
