Dangote Refinery Overtakes US as Europe’s Biggest Jet Fuel Supplier Again

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has retained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, surpassing the United States in exports and reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in the global energy market.

The refinery disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, citing the latest European import figures compiled by global commodities intelligence firm, Kpler.

According to the data, the refinery exported more than 400,000 tonnes of aviation fuel to Europe in July, representing approximately 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports for the month.

The latest performance follows an even stronger showing in June, when the refinery supplied a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, becoming the region’s largest external supplier for the first time.

Dangote Refinery said the sustained achievement reflects its capacity to consistently produce premium aviation fuel that meets strict international quality standards required by European markets.

Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel during July, with Dangote accounting for the largest individual share of those imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.

The company attributed its growing success to its strategic Atlantic coastal location, large refining capacity, modern processing technology and efficient export infrastructure, which have strengthened its competitiveness in the international market.

It also noted that production levels continued to rise, with jet fuel loadings from its Lekki export terminal reaching a record 550,000 tonnes in June. During the same period, 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.

The refinery observed that changing global energy supply patterns have also contributed to its expanding market share. While Europe continued to receive limited jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz encouraged buyers to diversify their sources of supply.

Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, said the facility has expanded exports beyond aviation fuel to include diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products destined for markets across Europe, Africa and other regions.

He stated that the refinery’s growing export activities are strengthening Nigeria’s position as a major exporter of high-value refined petroleum products while enhancing the country’s role in global energy trade.