Jet Fuel Crisis in Europe Boosts Dangote Refinery Exports by 75% as Nigeria Gains Global Supply Role

Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery is rapidly strengthening its position in the global energy market as Europe battles a severe jet fuel shortage triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The crisis has forced European buyers to seek alternative suppliers, with Nigeria emerging as a major beneficiary.

New data from energy intelligence platform Kpler shows that jet fuel shipments from Dangote Refinery to Europe surged to a record 272,000 metric tonnes between April 1 and 29, marking a 75% increase compared to March. The figure also represents a significant jump above the previous record set in September last year.

The spike is largely driven by disruptions in Middle Eastern supply chains, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route responsible for nearly 40% of Europe’s jet fuel imports. As these flows weaken, European countries like France, Spain, and the United Kingdom have increased purchases from Nigeria, with France alone receiving 163,000 tonnes in April.

Industry analysts say Dangote Refinery is now playing a central role in stabilizing Europe’s fuel supply. According to Argus Media, Nigerian jet fuel accounted for about 20% of Europe’s total imports in April, doubling from March and quadrupling compared to a year earlier. Experts also warn that Europe may still face shortages between May and June if alternative supply sources fail to fully bridge the gap.

While prices remain high across global markets, West African jet fuel—largely supplied by Dangote—has remained slightly more competitive than Northwest Europe benchmarks. This growing demand highlights Nigeria’s rising influence in global energy trade, as the country increasingly becomes a reliable supplier in a market shaped by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

source: The guardian