Dangote Refinery Retains Spot as Europe’s Biggest Jet Fuel Supplier, Surpasses US Again
By Admin, Lagos
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has maintained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel for the second consecutive month, outperforming the United States and cementing its status as a key player in the global aviation fuel market.
According to the latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler, the 700,000-barrels-per-day refinery exported more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in July. The volume accounted for nearly 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month.
The July performance follows an even stronger showing in June, when the refinery shipped 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, marking the first time Nigeria overtook the United States as the region’s leading supplier of imported aviation fuel.
The sustained export growth highlights the refinery’s ability to consistently meet the strict quality requirements of one of the world’s most demanding fuel markets. Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery supplying the largest share ahead of traditional exporters from the United States and the Middle East.
Industry analysts say the refinery is reshaping long-established fuel trade routes across the Atlantic Basin by providing European buyers with a competitive alternative to conventional suppliers.
Benefiting from its strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, advanced refining technology and large production capacity, the refinery has become an increasingly important source of aviation fuel for European markets.
The refinery’s growing export capacity has been driven by rising production levels. 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, ensuring sufficient feedstock to sustain increasing exports.
The latest export figures come amid changing global energy supply patterns. While Europe continued to receive smaller volumes of jet fuel from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, supply uncertainties linked to geopolitical developments around the Strait of Hormuz have encouraged importers to diversify their sourcing.
As a result, Dangote Refinery has emerged as a reliable supplier, strengthening Nigeria’s role in the international trade of refined petroleum products.
Commenting on the refinery’s growing export footprint, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the company is expanding its reach 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, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high-value petroleum products,” Bird said.
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