Dangote supplies 20% of Europe’s July jet fuel imports

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery supplied more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in July, accounting for about 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month, according to global commodities intelligence firm Kpler.

The latest figures underscore the growing footprint of Nigeria’s largest refinery in the European aviation fuel market, following its record shipment of 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to the continent in June.

Kpler data showed that Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with the Dangote refinery accounting for the largest single share of the continent’s imports.

The July performance came after Nigeria emerged as Europe’s largest supplier of imported aviation fuel in June, overtaking the United States for the first time.

The consecutive strong performances highlight the refinery’s growing capacity to supply the European market consistently while meeting the stringent quality specifications required by international aviation fuel buyers.

The refinery’s rising export volumes have been supported by increased production and stronger crude oil supplies. Jet fuel loadings at its Lekki export terminal reached about 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude deliveries rose to a record 660,000 barrels per day.

The higher throughput has enabled the refinery to increase exports of aviation fuel alongside diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products to international markets.

European buyers, who have traditionally relied on refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia, have increasingly turned to the Nigerian refinery for aviation fuel supplies.

Industry analysts said the refinery’s growing presence in Europe is reshaping established fuel trade flows across the Atlantic Basin.

Its strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast provides direct access to European markets, while its large processing capacity and export infrastructure have strengthened its competitiveness against long-established global suppliers.

The development also comes amid changing global energy trade patterns, with geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz encouraging European importers to diversify their sources of supply.

Although Europe continued to receive jet fuel cargoes from suppliers including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, changing market dynamics have increased the importance of alternative and reliable suppliers.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals said its international sales now extend beyond aviation fuel, with exports of diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products reaching markets across Europe, Africa and other regions.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the refinery’s expanding exports were strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global market for refined petroleum products.

The latest export figures further reinforce the refinery’s growing role in Nigeria’s transition from a net importer of refined petroleum products to an emerging global export hub.