The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has commenced direct delivery of aviation fuel to Ethiopian Airlines, as global supply tightens בעקבות the ongoing US-Iran crisis.
Managing Director of the refinery, David Bird, disclosed this at the NAEE conference in Lagos, where he outlined the company’s expanding export operations and production capacity.
According to Bird, the refinery has begun supplying jet fuel, diesel, and petrol to international markets, leveraging surplus output to meet demand beyond Nigeria’s borders. Since the crisis began on February 28, the facility has exported refined products to 11 African countries.
“Aliko Dangote is absolutely unequivocal that it is Africa first. And we’re proud to have done a direct delivery to Ethiopian Airlines,” Bird said, adding that exports will continue to prioritise African markets.
The export drive follows the refinery’s ramp-up to full operational capacity after completing maintenance earlier this year. Bird noted that domestic demand is now fully met, with excess volumes channelled to regional and global buyers.
He also addressed rising aviation fuel prices, attributing them to surging crude oil costs, which climbed to $112 per barrel. According to him, supply constraints are affecting both developed and developing nations.
“Right now, there is a scarcity of product. And what is worse than $100 or $120 oil is no oil at all,” he said, citing countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines as examples of import-dependent economies facing shortages.
Despite global pressures, Bird maintained that Nigeria currently enjoys relative fuel stability due to increased domestic refining capacity.
“Right now, in Nigeria there remains fuel abundance. We have the product. We have the fuel… as a result of the Dangote investment,” he added.
The refinery, widely regarded as the largest in Africa, was built to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, reduce dependence on imports, and shield the economy from global energy shocks.
Further insights from a Reuters report indicate that the refinery is benefiting from record margins in jet fuel production, with a significant portion of output exported to Europe, where demand is rising ahead of the peak summer travel season.
Dangote Group Vice President, Devakumar Edwin, revealed that the refinery sources much of its crude from the United States, alongside supplies from other African producers and Brazil. He added that while a large share of the refinery’s 24 million litres of daily jet fuel output is exported, it continues to meet the needs of Nigerian airlines.
Industry data cited by Reuters shows European imports of Nigerian jet fuel have reached record levels in April, averaging between 78,000 and 96,000 barrels per day.
Analysts say the refinery’s scale, efficiency, and access to local crude have enabled it to achieve margins significantly higher than many European refiners, positioning it as a major player in the global energy market.
