LAGOS, Aug 7 – Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has retained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel for a second consecutive month, further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global aviation fuel market.
According to the latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler, the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery exported more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in July, accounting for approximately 20% of the region’s total jet fuel imports during the month.
The performance follows a record 466,000 tonnes exported to Europe in June, when the Nigerian refinery overtook the United States to become Europe’s leading external supplier of aviation fuel.
Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery accounting for the largest single share of imported volumes, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.
The refinery’s growing presence is reshaping established fuel trade flows across the Atlantic Basin, as European buyers increasingly diversify supply sources beyond conventional exporters.
Historically, Europe has relied heavily on refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia for aviation fuel. However, Dangote Refinery’s strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, combined with its large processing capacity, modern infrastructure and export capabilities, has enabled it to become an increasingly competitive supplier.
The refinery’s export growth has been supported by rising production levels. Jet fuel loadings at the 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, providing sufficient feedstock to sustain higher exports of refined petroleum products.
The latest export performance comes amid shifting global energy trade patterns following geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Although Europe continued to receive limited jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, market uncertainty encouraged importers to diversify procurement strategies.
Against that backdrop, Dangote Refinery has strengthened its position as a reliable and competitive supplier of aviation fuel, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing role in international refined petroleum markets.
Commenting on the refinery’s export performance, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Bird said the company has continued to expand shipments of jet fuel, diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products to customers across Europe, Africa and other international markets.
According to Bird, the refinery’s growing export footprint is further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products.
