Dangote Refinery Retains Europe Jet Fuel Lead

The July performance followed a record export of 466,000 tonnes in June, when Nigeria overtook the United States for the first time as Europe's leading external supplier of aviation fuel.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has retained its position as Europe's largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, surpassing the United States and consolidating its growing footprint in the global energy market.

The refinery said on Thursday that the achievement highlights its rising influence in international refined petroleum trade and its ability to consistently meet the stringent quality standards of one of the world's most demanding aviation fuel markets.

According to European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler, the refinery shipped more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in July, accounting for about 20 per cent of the continent's total jet fuel imports during the month.

The July performance followed a record export of 466,000 tonnes in June, when Nigeria overtook the United States for the first time as Europe's leading external supplier of aviation fuel.

Dangote Refinery said Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with its products accounting for the single largest share of the market, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.

The company attributed its growing market share to its strategic location on Nigeria's Atlantic coast, modern refining technology, large-scale production capacity and efficient export infrastructure.

It added that rising production has sustained the export momentum, with jet fuel loadings at its Lekki export terminal reaching a record 550,000 tonnes in June. Crude oil deliveries to the refinery also climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing sufficient feedstock to support increasing exports of refined petroleum products.

The refinery noted that shifting global energy trade patterns have also strengthened its competitive position. It said supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical tensions prompted European buyers to diversify sourcing away from traditional suppliers in the Middle East.

Although Europe continued to receive limited jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, Dangote Refinery said it had emerged as a reliable alternative supplier, reinforcing Nigeria's growing role in the global market for refined petroleum products.

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

According to him, the refinery's export growth is strengthening Nigeria's position as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products.