Dangote Petroleum Refinery has maintained its position as Europe’s largest external supplier of imported jet fuel for the second consecutive month, consolidating Nigeria’s growing role in the global market for refined petroleum products.
The refinery disclosed on Thursday that it exported more than 400,000 tonnes of aviation fuel to Europe in July, accounting for about 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month, according to data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm, Kpler.
The latest performance follows a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel exports to Europe in June, when the 650,000 barrels-per-day Lekki refinery overtook the United States for the first time as the region’s largest external supplier of imported aviation fuel.
According to the company, Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery supplying the largest single share, ahead of traditional exporters from the United States and the Middle East.
The refinery described the achievement as evidence of its growing competitiveness in international energy markets and its ability to consistently meet the stringent quality standards required by the global aviation industry.
It attributed its expanding market share to its strategic Atlantic coastline location, modern refining technology, large production capacity and efficient export infrastructure, which have enabled it to compete with long-established refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia.
Dangote Refinery also linked the sustained growth in exports to rising production levels at its Lekki facility.
The company disclosed that jet fuel loadings at its export terminal climbed to a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude oil deliveries to the refinery reached an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing sufficient feedstock to support increased exports of refined petroleum products.
It noted that changes in global energy supply patterns also contributed to the refinery’s expanding presence in Europe.
According to the statement, limited jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, coupled with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical developments, prompted European buyers to diversify their sources of supply.
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“Against this backdrop, Dangote Refinery has emerged as a reliable and competitive supplier, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing importance in global refined products trade,” the company stated.
Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, David Bird, said the refinery has continued to expand exports of jet fuel, diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products to markets across Europe, Africa and other regions.
He noted that the refinery’s growing export portfolio is strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of value-added petroleum products while enhancing the country’s profile in international energy markets.
