Dangote Petroleum Refinery has solidified its position as a leading global supplier of aviation fuel, becoming Europe's largest jet fuel exporter in June 2025, even as Nigerian airlines continue to grapple with shortages and soaring domestic prices of Jet A1.
Record Exports to Europe
According to a market report by S&P Global Commodity Insights, the refinery shipped approximately 466,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in June, overtaking the United States for the first time. This volume more than doubled the 232,000 metric tonnes exported in May, marking Nigeria's largest monthly aviation fuel export since the country became a net exporter of jet fuel in 2024, following the start of production at the Dangote Refinery.
The June export volume equates to roughly 582.5 million litres of aviation fuel. At an estimated local market price of N1,300 per litre, the cargo is valued at approximately N757.25 billion.
Domestic Challenges Persist
Dangote's growing export footprint contrasts sharply with the concerns of Nigerian airlines, which have repeatedly highlighted the high cost and limited availability of aviation fuel in the domestic market. Airline operators have consistently warned that soaring Jet A1 prices are a major driver of rising operating costs, forcing many carriers to review airfares while struggling to maintain profitable operations. Despite Nigeria's significant refining capacity for aviation fuel, industry stakeholders argue that domestic supply challenges and pricing remain unresolved.
Market Dynamics Shift
While Dangote expanded its exports, the United States saw a sharp decline in shipments to Europe. American jet fuel exports dropped from a record 818,000 metric tonnes in April to 560,000 metric tonnes in May, and further to 399,000 metric tonnes in June, allowing Nigeria to become Europe's largest supplier during the month. Market analysts attribute this shift to increased refinery production and changing global trade flows.
A trader quoted by S&P Global noted that the global jet fuel market has become oversupplied as refineries maximized production during periods of elevated prices. The trader also pointed out that increased exports from Dangote and the US, along with the gradual resumption of fuel shipments through the Suez route from the UAE, have added to supply in Europe. The report added that Europe's jet fuel market has turned increasingly bearish after prices surged during heightened tensions in the Middle East, with expectations of weaker-than-anticipated summer aviation demand and abundant fuel supplies further softening the market.
Impact on Nigerian Aviation
Despite the softer international market, Dangote Refinery's growing exports underscore its emergence as a key player in the global aviation fuel trade. However, the contrast between its export success and the persistent complaints from Nigerian airlines over expensive and scarce Jet A1 continues to fuel debate about whether local refining capacity is translating into meaningful benefits for the domestic aviation industry.
