A refinery is redrawing the energy map: African jet fuel is making its way to Europe.

Written by Omnia Hassan

In a move reflecting rapid shifts in global energy markets, Dangote Petroleum's refinery, the largest in AfricaExporting jet fuel directly to international airlines, with Ethiopian Airlines joining its list of clients, amid disruptions in global supplies caused by geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and Iran.

Strategic expansion amid a global crisis

This move comes at a time when fuel markets are under increasing pressure, prompting Nigerian refinery  To utilize its full operational capacity to expand its exports, the refinery management confirmed that it is now able to meet local demand and export the surplus to multiple markets within and outside Africa, including Europe.

During an energy conference in Lagos, General Manager David Byrd explained that the facility had entered full production, enabling it to export jet fuel, diesel and gasoline after achieving domestic self-sufficiency.

Africa first, but the world is in the equation.

Since the outbreak of the Middle East crisis in late February, the refinery has supplied 11 African countries with refined products, as part of a strategy that balances meeting the continent's needs with expanding into global markets.

Despite this expansion, the administration stressed that African markets would remain a priority, while continuing to export the surplus to strengthen its international presence.

European demand boosts profits

Fuel exports to Europe have seen a significant increase, driven by rising demand as the summer travel season approaches, coupled with rising global oil prices, which reached approximately $112 per barrel.

Industry data showed that European imports of Nigerian jet fuel hit record highs in April, ranging between 78,000 and 96,000 barrels per day, reflecting the attractiveness of the Nigerian product amid supply shortages.

It is also estimated that profit margins at the Dangote refinery are more than double those of its European counterparts, benefiting from the availability of local crude oil and production efficiency.

Abundant production and local pressures

The refinery produces about 24 million liters of jet fuel per day, a large portion of which is exported, while about 2.1 million liters per day are allocated to meet the needs of Nigerian airlines.

Despite stable domestic supplies, airlines still face challenges due to high prices, raising concerns about the impact on operating costs and flight continuity.

The market dilemma: price or availability?

Byrd believes that the biggest challenge in the markets is not just the high prices, but ensuring the availability of fuel. He pointed out that the lack of supplies represents a bigger crisis than prices reaching high levels, especially in countries dependent on imports.