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Dangote Refinery has emerged as Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, displacing traditional exporters including the United States and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global refined petroleum products 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-barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery were delivered into Europe in July.
The volume represented about 20 per cent of Europe’s total jet fuel imports for the month, putting the Nigerian refinery ahead of suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.
The July performance extends Dangote Refinery’s remarkable run in the European aviation fuel market. In June, the refinery exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, making Nigeria the continent’s largest source of imported jet fuel for the first time.
Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote accounting for the largest single share.
The sustained performance highlights the refinery’s growing capacity to compete in one of the world’s most demanding refined petroleum markets, while demonstrating Nigeria’s increasing influence in international fuel trade.
Industry observers say Dangote’s emergence is reshaping established Atlantic Basin fuel flows, as European buyers increasingly diversify away from traditional supply sources.
The refinery’s location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, massive production capacity, modern processing technology and export infrastructure have positioned it to serve international markets competitively.
Its growing export volumes have also been supported by rising refinery throughput.
Jet fuel loadings from 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 increased crude supply has provided the refinery with greater capacity to sustain exports of aviation fuel, diesel, gasoline and other refined petroleum products to international destinations.
The latest milestone comes amid significant changes in global energy trade flows, with geopolitical tensions and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz encouraging European buyers to diversify their sources of refined products.
Although Europe received jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, Dangote maintained its position as the continent’s largest supplier.
David Bird, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, said the refinery’s export drive extends beyond aviation fuel.
“Beyond aviation fuel, the refinery has continued to expand exports of diesel, gasoline and other refined petroleum products to destinations across Europe, Africa and other international markets,” he said.
According to Bird, the expanding export footprint is strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high-value petroleum products.
The development marks a significant shift for Nigeria, traditionally known for exporting crude oil and importing substantial volumes of refined petroleum products.
With Dangote Refinery increasingly supplying international markets, the country is beginning to establish a stronger foothold in the global trade of refined fuels.
