By Opeyemi Adelakun
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has retained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel for the second consecutive month, overtaking the United States as it expands its footprint in the global energy market.
The refinery disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the development as a major milestone that reflects its growing influence in international petroleum trade.
According to the company, the latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that more than 400,000 tonnes of aviation fuel produced at the Lekki-based refinery were delivered to Europe in July, representing about 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports for the month.
The refinery said the July performance followed an even stronger showing in June, when it exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, the first time Nigeria displaced the United States as the region’s leading external supplier of the product.
It noted that the sustained export performance demonstrates its ability to consistently supply one of the world’s most demanding aviation fuel markets with products that meet stringent international quality standards.
“Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote accounting for the single largest share of those imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East,” the company said.
The refinery attributed its growing market share to its strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, modern refining technology, large production capacity and export infrastructure, which have enabled it to compete effectively with long-established refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia.
It added that increased production capacity has been central to its export growth.
According to the company, jet fuel loadings at the Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude oil deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the throughput required to sustain increasing exports of refined petroleum products.
The refinery also linked its strong performance to changes in global energy supply patterns.
It said that although Europe continued to receive limited jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical developments encouraged buyers to diversify their sources of supply.
“Against this backdrop, Dangote Refinery has emerged as a reliable and competitive supplier, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing importance in global refined products trade,” the statement added.
Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, David Bird, said the facility has continued to expand exports of diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products to markets across Europe, Africa and other regions, in addition to aviation fuel.
He said the refinery’s expanding export portfolio is strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products and increasing the country’s relevance in international energy markets.
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