Media: Nigeria takes lead as Dangote becomes Europe’s biggest jet fuel supplier

Nigerian Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has emerged as Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, overtaking the United States and further strengthening Nigeria’s role in global refined-products markets.

The development, based on the latest European import data compiled by commodities intelligence firm Kpler, underscores the growing international reach of the 700,000-barrels-per-day Dangote refinery, Independent reports.

More than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced at the refinery were delivered to Europe in July, accounting for roughly 20% of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month.

The performance followed a record 466,000 tonnes shipped to Europe in June, when Nigeria first displaced the United States as the region’s leading source of imported jet fuel.

Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote supplying the largest single share, ahead of traditional suppliers in the United States and the Middle East.

The refinery’s growing export volumes have been supported by rising production. Jet fuel loadings at Dangote’s Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tons in June, while crude deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day.

The latest figures come amid shifts in global energy flows. While Europe received limited volumes of jet fuel from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and broader geopolitical uncertainty have encouraged European buyers to diversify their sources of supply.

Against this backdrop, Dangote Refinery has strengthened its position as a major supplier to the European market, while highlighting Nigeria’s growing importance in international refined-products trade.

“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, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high value petroleum products,” said David Bird, MD/CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals.

By Vafa Guliyeva