Nigeria has strengthened its position in the global energy market after Dangote Petroleum Refinery exported an estimated 466,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in June, with the shipment valued at approximately ₦757 billion.
The latest export figures place Nigeria ahead of the United States as a supplier of aviation fuel to Europe during the month, highlighting the growing impact of the Dangote Refinery on international petroleum markets.
The figures were disclosed in a market report by S&P Global Commodity Insights, which noted that Nigeria recorded its highest jet fuel exports to Europe since becoming a net exporter of aviation fuel in 2024.
According to the report, exports of Nigerian jet fuel to Europe doubled from 232,000 metric tonnes in May to 466,000 metric tonnes in June, reflecting increased production at the Dangote Refinery.
The June shipment is equivalent to approximately 582.5 million litres of aviation fuel.
Based on an estimated domestic value of ₦1,300 per litre, the total export is valued at around ₦757.25 billion.
The refinery’s increased output has enabled Nigeria to become one of Europe’s leading suppliers of jet fuel as demand patterns continue to shift in the global energy market.
While Nigeria’s exports climbed significantly, shipments from the United States recorded a sharp decline.
According to the report, US jet fuel exports to Europe fell from a record 818,000 metric tonnes in April to 560,000 metric tonnes in May, before dropping further to 399,000 metric tonnes in June.
The decline allowed Nigeria to overtake the US as Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel during the period.
Analysts attributed the changing market dynamics to increased global production, particularly from Nigeria and the United States.
A trader quoted in the report explained that strong refinery output created an oversupply in the jet fuel market.
According to the trader, refiners delayed scheduled maintenance to maximize production while prices remained attractive, adding that increased exports from Dangote Refinery, the United States and the gradual resumption of shipments through the Suez Canal contributed to the supply glut.
As a result, aviation fuel prices across Europe have weakened considerably after reaching record highs during the Middle East conflict earlier this year.
Data from Platts, a division of S&P Global Commodity Insights, showed that the Northwest Europe Jet CIF cargo assessment for July declined to $981.75 per metric tonne on June 30, down sharply from the record $1,694.25 per metric tonne recorded on March 30.
Similarly, the August contract fell from $1,507.50 to $968.25 per metric tonne over the same period.
The report also revealed that Europe may receive additional aviation fuel supplies in the coming months as exporters continue taking advantage of favourable trading opportunities between Eastern and Western markets.
Although no shipments arrived from the United Arab Emirates or Kuwait during June, exports from Saudi Arabia rose significantly from 7,000 metric tonnes in May to about 106,000 metric tonnes.
Shipments from India also increased from 129,000 metric tonnes to 197,000 metric tonnes during the same period.
Market analysts noted that future price movements will largely depend on developments around the Strait of Hormuz, regional geopolitical stability and the pace at which Middle Eastern refineries recover from disruptions caused by recent conflicts.
Industry data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) further underscores the refinery’s growing contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
The regulator reported that the Dangote Refinery exported approximately 1.66 billion litres of refined petroleum products in April 2026 alone.
The exports included:
- 513 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol)
- 534 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel)
- 615 million litres of aviation fuel
Dangote Refinery remains Nigeria’s only major operational refinery capable of producing sufficient volumes of refined petroleum products for both domestic consumption and international export.
The refinery has also helped Nigeria become a net exporter of petrol for the first time in decades after domestic production exceeded local demand.
The latest export performance reinforces Nigeria’s transition from one of the world’s largest importers of refined petroleum products to a major exporter within Africa and beyond.
Energy analysts believe continued production growth at the Dangote Refinery, combined with sustained international demand, could further expand Nigeria’s share of the global aviation fuel market while boosting foreign exchange earnings and strengthening the country’s position as a strategic energy supplier to Europe
