The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced direct aviation fuel deliveries to international airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, as global supply disruptions linked to rising tensions between the United States and Iran continue to tighten fuel markets.
Speaking at an energy conference in Lagos, the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, disclosed that the facility is now exporting jet fuel, diesel, and petrol after ramping up production to meet domestic demand.
According to him, since the escalation of the Middle East crisis in late February, the refinery has supplied refined petroleum products to 11 African countries, underscoring its growing export capacity.
Bird noted that while the company is expanding its global reach, its priority remains serving African markets.
“We’re proud to have done a direct delivery to Ethiopian Airlines, and we will continue to export surplus production to neighbouring African countries,” he said.
The refinery is currently operating at full capacity following earlier maintenance, positioning it to respond to increasing global demand for aviation fuel amid widespread supply shortages.
Global oil prices, which have climbed to about $112 per barrel, have pushed up the cost of aviation fuel. However, Bird stressed that availability, rather than price, remains the most pressing concern in many markets.
“What is worse than $100 or $120 oil is no oil at all,” he said, pointing to shortages in import-dependent countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Despite global supply pressures, Nigeria’s domestic fuel situation remains relatively stable, aided by increased local refining capacity. Bird attributed this to strategic investments led by Aliko Dangote, which have significantly reduced the country’s dependence on imported refined products.
Industry data indicates that the refinery is benefiting from strong profit margins, particularly in jet fuel exports. European buyers, facing peak summer travel demand, have increased imports from Nigeria, with volumes reaching between 78,000 and 96,000 barrels per day in April.
Analysts say the refinery’s margins are more than double those of many European refiners, driven by access to locally sourced crude and the plant’s large-scale operations.
Devakumar Edwin, a senior executive at the refinery, revealed that the facility produces about 24 million litres of jet fuel daily. While a significant portion is exported—mainly to Europe—it also supplies Nigerian airlines, whose total daily demand stands at about 2.1 million litres.
However, rising fuel prices continue to pressure the aviation sector, with domestic airlines warning of possible disruptions due to increasing operating costs.
The refinery sources crude oil from the United States, Brazil, and other African producers, reinforcing its position as a major player in global refined fuel markets.
Originally conceived to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products, the Dangote Refinery is now playing a central role in shaping fuel supply dynamics across Africa and beyond, even as global energy markets remain volatile.
