Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals remained Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel for the second consecutive month in July, accounting for about one-fifth of the continent’s aviation fuel imports.
The latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler and reported by Arise News showed that the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery exported more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe during the month.
Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery accounting for roughly 20% of total imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.
The refinery first became Europe’s largest imported aviation fuel supplier in June after delivering a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to the continent.
Its July exports of more than 400,000 tonnes marked another strong performance despite a temporary reduction in refinery operations during the month.
Kpler’s data showed that the refinery’s sustained export performance reflects its growing ability to produce jet fuel that meets stringent European quality standards.
The development also highlights Dangote Refinery’s growing competitiveness in one of the world’s most demanding aviation fuel markets and strengthens Nigeria’s position as a major exporter of refined petroleum products.
Industry observers said the refinery is reshaping established Atlantic Basin fuel trade by providing European buyers with a competitive alternative to traditional suppliers.
Europe has historically relied heavily on refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia for jet fuel imports. However, Dangote Refinery’s strategic location in Lagos, large-scale production capacity and export infrastructure have strengthened its position in the market.
Jet fuel loadings at the refinery’s Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude deliveries climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, supporting higher refined product exports.
Supply uncertainties linked to geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz also encouraged European buyers to diversify their sources, although smaller volumes continued to arrive from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
David Bird, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, said the refinery had continued expanding exports of jet fuel, diesel, petrol and other refined products to Europe, Africa and other international markets.
Bird said the expansion was further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of higher-value petroleum products.
However, separate Kpler data showed that refinery operations and overall refined product exports fell to a three-month low in July following maintenance work that temporarily reduced crude processing.
Crude throughput declined to between 350,000 and 400,000 barrels per day from July 10 following maintenance on the refinery’s Flue Gas Steam Generator.
The reduction prompted Kpler to lower its July throughput forecast to about 450,000 barrels per day.
The reduced refinery runs were expected to cut exports by about 75,000 barrels per day of petrol, 50,000 barrels per day of jet fuel and 40,000 barrels per day of gasoil.
Despite the temporary slowdown, Kpler described Dangote Refinery as a key swing supplier of refined products into the Atlantic Basin since March, particularly through its jet fuel exports to Europe.
The commodities intelligence firm expects refinery throughput to recover to between 650,000 and 675,000 barrels per day during August and September, although maintenance on the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracker remains a key operational risk.
The latest data suggest that the temporary maintenance affected overall refinery utilisation but did not prevent Dangote Refinery from retaining its dominant position in Europe’s imported jet fuel market.
Dangote Refinery also emerged as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April, according to an S&P Global Energy report, as higher refinery output coincided with disruptions to global fuel trade flows caused by tensions in the Middle East.
S&P Global Commodities at Sea data showed that the refinery became the world’s largest exporter of aviation fuel during the month as changing global supply patterns redirected demand towards alternative suppliers.
The refinery has increasingly become a major supplier of refined petroleum products to Europe, Africa and other international markets as production continues to ramp up.
The latest Kpler figures indicate that Dangote Refinery has sustained that momentum, consolidating its position as one of the fastest-growing exporters of aviation fuel globally.
