Nigeria has emerged as an alternative supplier of aviation fuel to Europe as disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict tighten supplies from the Middle East, with a cargo from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery arriving in the United Kingdom.
A source at the refinery confirmed the development, noting that several European countries have increasingly turned to Nigeria for jet fuel supplies amid the supply squeeze caused by the conflict.
According to the source, many European buyers now lift aviation fuel directly from the Lekki-based refinery as the crisis in the Middle East continues to affect traditional supply routes.
“Most of the European countries have been our main buyers,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly.
The source added that jet fuel prices have risen sharply due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipments from the region.
The development comes as reports indicate that the last known shipment of jet fuel from the Middle East to the United Kingdom is expected this week, raising concerns over possible shortages as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.
Industry data cited by the Financial Times showed that a jet fuel cargo from Nigeria arrived at Milford Haven in the UK on Monday, underscoring a major reshuffle in global energy supply chains as European buyers seek alternative sources.
The head of market engagement for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa and Asia-Pacific regions at Kpler, Matt Stanley, said the situation reflected a rerouting of supply rather than a complete halt in global availability.
“The system doesn’t stop — it reshuffles. It’s really a story of rerouting and price adjusting, rather than an outright shortage,” Stanley said.
The United Kingdom has depended heavily on Middle Eastern suppliers, sourcing at least half of its jet fuel from the region in recent months. This reliance increased after Europe moved away from Russian imports and faced declining domestic refining capacity.
However, the ongoing disruption has forced European buyers to explore alternative suppliers, particularly in West Africa and the United States.
Research and consultancy manager at Insights Global, Lars van Wageningen, said European buyers would increasingly rely on refineries in West Africa to fill the supply gap.
Europe obtains about 40 per cent of its jet fuel through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that is now nearly completely shut, tightening supply and pushing benchmark north-west European jet fuel prices to about $1,744 per tonne — roughly double pre-war levels, according to Argus Media.
Consultants warn that airlines could begin to feel the impact by the end of April if the supply constraints persist.
The Vice-President of oil markets at Rystad Energy, Janiv Shah, said market expectations indicate that shortages could soon emerge in some countries.
“Market understanding is that fuel shortages are not far away in some countries,” Shah said, noting that higher prices would eventually ripple through the entire supply chain.
The tightening market has also drawn political attention. Following reports of supply risks, former US President Donald Trump suggested that countries struggling to secure jet fuel should purchase supplies from the United States.
“We have plenty,” Trump reportedly said.
Despite concerns, the UK government has said shipments are still arriving from multiple sources, including India, the United States, and the Netherlands, alongside smaller volumes from other countries.
The arrival of Nigerian cargo highlights the growing role of West African refiners, particularly the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in supplying aviation fuel to Europe as traditional Middle Eastern supply routes remain disrupted.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, recently disclosed that demand for the refinery’s aviation fuel has surged.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Dangote said the facility was nearly sold out of jet fuel and diesel due to strong global demand.
“The demand is so high, I can tell you for nothing. Today, we have almost sold out our jet fuel. We have almost sold out our gas oil,” he said.
Dangote added that the refinery currently has excess petrol, also known as Premium Motor Spirit, compared to other refined products.
