Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has emerged as Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, exporting more than 400,000 tonnes of aviation fuel in July and overtaking traditional suppliers, including the United States, in a development that reinforces Nigeria’s growing position in the global refined petroleum market.
Latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that the 700,000 barrels-per-day refinery supplied about 20 per cent of Europe’s total jet fuel imports in July, making it the continent’s single largest external supplier of aviation fuel.
The refinery’s July performance followed a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel exports to Europe in June, when it first displaced the United States as the region’s leading supplier.
Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery accounting for the largest share ahead of exporters from the United States and the Middle East.
The sustained export performance highlights the refinery’s growing ability to meet Europe’s stringent aviation fuel quality requirements while reshaping established fuel trade routes across the Atlantic Basin.
Industry observers said Dangote Refinery is rapidly emerging as a competitive alternative to traditional suppliers, leveraging its strategic Atlantic coast location, large production capacity, modern technology and export infrastructure to strengthen its presence in international markets.
The refinery’s export growth has been supported by increasing production, with jet fuel loadings at its Lekki export terminal reaching a record 550,000 tonnes in June. Crude oil deliveries to the refinery also climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the throughput needed to sustain rising exports.
The refinery’s growing market share comes amid shifting global energy trade patterns. While Europe continued to receive limited jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and broader geopolitical developments have encouraged European buyers to diversify their sources of supply.
Against this backdrop, Dangote Refinery has strengthened its position as a reliable supplier of aviation fuel, further enhancing Nigeria’s role in global refined petroleum trade.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the company has also continued to expand exports of diesel, gasoline and other refined petroleum products to destinations across Europe, Africa and other international markets.
He said the refinery’s growing export portfolio is helping to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products while supporting the country’s expanding footprint in the global energy market.