Nigeria has exported about 245,000 tonnes of Jet A1 aviation fuel valued at N306 billion ($223 million) to destinations across Europe and West Africa, highlighting the country’s growing influence in the international refined petroleum market. Six vessels recently departed the Lekki export terminal in Lagos carrying the fuel to markets including Europe, Togo and Ghana, according to shipping data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The latest shipments come at a time when global aviation fuel prices are experiencing significant volatility, with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz reshaping traditional fuel supply routes. The changing market conditions have created an opportunity for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to strengthen its position as a major supplier of jet fuel to Europe. The six vessels involved include ASP Cedar, PIS Sumtera, Elaia, Sam Majesty, Kristi Ruby and Cape Olympou, with individual cargoes ranging from 35,000 to 44,000 tonnes.
Nigeria’s Jet A1 exports to Europe have also been gaining momentum in recent months. The country shipped 232,000 tonnes to Europe in May and 466,000 tonnes in June, according to the report, while April recorded another strong performance, with 11 vessels delivering a record 392,500 tonnes to European destinations within the first 29 days of the month. Ports in Spain and Portugal, including Algecira, Las Palmas and Sines, have increasingly become important destinations for Nigerian aviation fuel.
The development places Nigeria among the countries playing a bigger role in Europe’s aviation fuel supply chain. According to global trade intelligence firm Kpler, European jet fuel imports from Nigeria increased from May, largely driven by supplies from the Dangote Refinery. Nigerian and U.S. supplies reportedly averaged around 200,000 barrels per day in May, while Nigeria had exported an estimated 456,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in March. This growing export activity comes as traditional Middle Eastern supply routes face increasing disruption.
With global energy markets facing renewed uncertainty, Nigeria’s expanding Jet A1 exports could provide a significant boost to the country’s position in the refined petroleum trade. The latest N306 billion shipment not only demonstrates the growing capacity of Nigeria’s refining sector but also shows how quickly global supply chains can shift when geopolitical tensions disrupt established routes. If the trend continues, Nigeria could become an increasingly important swing supplier of aviation fuel to Europe and neighbouring African markets.
source: newtelegraph
