Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reinforced its position in the global aviation fuel market after supplying more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in July, making it the continent’s largest external supplier for the second consecutive month and further cementing Nigeria’s growing role in international refined petroleum trade.
According to the latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler, Dangote accounted for about 20 per cent of Europe’s total jet fuel imports during the month. Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of aviation fuel in July, with the Nigerian refinery supplying the largest single share ahead of traditional exporters from the United States and the Middle East.
The July performance follows an even stronger showing in June, when the refinery exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, marking the first time Nigeria displaced the United States as the region’s leading supplier of imported aviation fuel.
Dangote Refinery said the sustained export performance demonstrates its ability to consistently meet the stringent quality specifications required by one of the world’s most demanding aviation fuel markets while strengthening its influence in global energy trade.
The refinery attributed its growing market share to its strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, combined with its large-scale production capacity, modern refining technology and export infrastructure, which have enabled it to compete effectively with long-established suppliers from North America, the Middle East and Asia.
Rising production has also supported the refinery’s export expansion. Jet fuel loadings at the Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude oil deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing sufficient feedstock to sustain increasing exports of aviation fuel and other refined petroleum products.
The refinery noted that changing global energy flows have also created new opportunities for suppliers outside traditional markets. Although Europe continued to receive smaller volumes of jet fuel from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and broader geopolitical developments have encouraged European buyers to diversify their supply sources.
Against that backdrop, Dangote Refinery said it has emerged as a reliable and competitive supplier capable of supporting Europe’s aviation fuel requirements while enhancing Nigeria’s position in the international downstream petroleum market.
David Bird, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, said the company has continued to expand exports beyond aviation fuel to include diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products across Europe, Africa and other international markets.
According to him, the refinery’s growing export portfolio is reinforcing Nigeria’s emergence as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products and strengthening the country’s standing in global energy markets.
