Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has cemented its growing influence in the global energy market, emerging as Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel for the second consecutive month and surpassing traditional exporters, including the United States.

Fresh import data released by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery were shipped to Europe in July, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month.

The latest achievement follows an even stronger performance in June, when the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery exported a record 466,000 tonnes of aviation fuel to Europe, marking the first time Nigeria displaced the United States as the region’s leading supplier of imported jet fuel.

According to the data, Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote Refinery contributing the largest single share ahead of suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.

The sustained export growth underscores the refinery’s increasing capacity to produce aviation fuel that meets stringent international standards, enabling it to compete successfully in one of the world’s most demanding energy markets.

Industry analysts say the refinery is steadily reshaping established fuel trade routes across the Atlantic Basin by offering buyers a competitive alternative to long-established suppliers.

For decades, European markets relied heavily on refiners in the United States, the Middle East and parts of Asia. However, Dangote Refinery’s strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, combined with its large-scale production capacity, advanced technology and export infrastructure, has strengthened its appeal among international buyers.

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The refinery’s growing presence in the aviation fuel market has also been driven by increased production levels. Jet fuel loadings at its Lekki export terminal surged to a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude oil deliveries to the facility reached an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day.

The increased throughput has provided the volumes needed to sustain expanding exports of refined petroleum products to global markets.

The development comes at a time when global energy supply chains are being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Although Europe continued to receive limited jet fuel shipments from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, concerns over supply disruptions encouraged many buyers to diversify sourcing options.

Amid the uncertainty, Dangote Refinery has strengthened its reputation as a dependable and competitive supplier, further elevating Nigeria’s status in the international refined petroleum products market.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the company had continued to expand exports of diesel, petrol and other refined products to destinations across Europe, Africa and other international markets.

He noted that the refinery’s growing export footprint is helping to position Nigeria as a major net exporter of high-value petroleum products, while boosting the country’s profile in the global energy industry.