The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has overtaken the United States for the second consecutive month to become Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global refined petroleum products market.
The refinery announced the development on Thursday, saying its latest export performance demonstrated its growing influence in international energy markets and its ability to compete in one of the world’s most demanding fuel markets.
Data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced by the Dangote refinery were delivered to Europe in July, representing about 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports for the month.
The July performance followed an even stronger showing in June, when the refinery exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe and displaced the United States as the region’s leading external supplier for the first time.
Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote accounting for the single largest share ahead of suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.
The refinery said the sustained export volumes demonstrated its capacity to consistently supply aviation fuel that meets stringent international quality specifications required by the European market.
According to the company, its location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast gives it a strategic advantage for supplying international markets, while its scale, modern technology and export infrastructure have helped strengthen its position in global fuel trade.
The refinery also attributed the growing export momentum to rising production levels, with crude deliveries reaching an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing additional throughput for refined petroleum products.
Jet fuel loadings at the Dangote refinery’s Lekki export terminal also reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, according to figures released by the company.
The development comes against the backdrop of changing global energy flows, with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and wider geopolitical tensions encouraging European buyers to diversify their sources of refined petroleum products.
The refinery said limited volumes from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman entered the European market during July, while changing market conditions created opportunities for alternative suppliers such as Nigeria.
The company described its performance as evidence that Nigeria is becoming increasingly important in international refined petroleum products trade, moving beyond its traditional role as a major crude oil exporter.
David Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, said the company has also expanded exports of diesel, petrol and other refined products to markets across Europe, Africa and other regions.
Bird said the growing international demand for products from the refinery was reinforcing Nigeria’s emergence as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products.
The refinery’s expanding export footprint represents a major shift for Nigeria, which has historically depended heavily on imported refined petroleum products despite its substantial crude oil resources.
The development also highlights the scale of the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery, one of the world’s largest single-train refining facilities and a major component of Nigeria’s strategy to increase domestic refining and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
For Nigeria, sustained exports of aviation fuel could provide additional foreign-exchange earnings while strengthening the country’s role in regional and international petroleum supply chains.
The latest milestone comes as the refinery continues to expand its international customer base and increase shipments of refined products, positioning Lagos as an increasingly important hub for petroleum exports into global markets.
With Dangote maintaining its lead over the United States for a second consecutive month, the latest figures mark another significant milestone for Nigeria’s refining industry and the country’s ambitions to become a major exporter of refined petroleum products.