European countries increased their purchases of jet fuel from Nigeria in May, driven largely by supplies from the Dangote refinery as buyers sought alternatives to Middle Eastern shipments disrupted by regional tensions.
Record Imports from Nigeria and the US
Data from commodities analytics firm Kpler showed that imports from Nigeria and the United States averaged about 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May. Europe has traditionally relied heavily on the Middle East for aviation fuel, receiving around 300,000 bpd in 2025 through shipments transported via the Strait of Hormuz.
Total European jet fuel imports averaged about 550,000 bpd, including supplies from India, Nigeria and the United States. The continent previously sourced nearly 75 per cent of its jet fuel imports from Gulf producers, equivalent to around 375,000 bpd.
Impact of Middle East Conflict
However, conflict involving Iran has disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting European buyers to diversify their supply sources. Nigeria has increasingly filled part of the gap since the launch of the Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest, in 2024.
Nigerian jet fuel deliveries to Europe reached a record 272,000 metric tonnes during the first 29 days of April, following exports of about 456,000 tonnes in March. The figures highlight Nigeria’s growing role in the global aviation fuel market and its emergence as an important alternative supplier to Europe.
Nigeria's Growing Export Capacity
Nigeria also exported petroleum products at record levels, with more than 416,000 bpd shipped abroad in April. The International Energy Agency has previously said Europe could begin experiencing tighter jet fuel supplies by June, although major European airlines have downplayed concerns over possible shortages during the peak summer travel season.
