Dangote Petroleum Refinery has begun exporting jet fuel, diesel and petrol to international carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, as disruptions in global fuel markets intensify. The announcement was made by managing director David Bird at an energy conference in Lagos, where he said the refinery has reached a production level that satisfies domestic demand and now supports overseas shipments.
Since the escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran in February, the facility has supplied refined products to 11 African nations. Bird emphasized that the company’s priority remains African markets, even as it expands its export footprint. “We’re proud to have done a direct delivery to Ethiopian Airlines, and we will continue to export surplus production to neighboring African countries,” he said.
The refinery is now operating at full capacity following a period of maintenance. This enables it to meet growing demand for aviation fuel at a time when shortages are affecting both developed and emerging economies. Global oil prices have risen to roughly $112 per barrel, pushing aviation fuel costs higher. Bird warned that the greater concern for markets is the lack of supply rather than price volatility, noting that countries reliant on imports such as Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Philippines are experiencing acute shortages.
Domestic fuel availability in Nigeria is reported as stable, thanks to increased refining capacity driven by Aliko Dangote’s investments. The refinery sources crude mainly from the United States, other African producers and Brazil, reducing the nation’s dependence on imported refined products.
Reuters data shows that the plant is enjoying strong profit margins on jet fuel, especially in export markets. European buyers, facing peak summer travel demand, have paid a premium, with Nigerian jet‑fuel imports reaching between 78,000 and 96,000 barrels per day in April. While European refiners earn about $15 per barrel, analysts estimate margins at Dangote’s facility are more than double, supported by locally sourced crude and the scale of operations.
The refinery produces approximately 24 million litres of jet fuel each day. Export volumes dominate, but a portion serves Nigerian airlines, whose demand is estimated at around 2.1 million litres per day. Rising fuel prices are pressuring the domestic aviation sector, with airlines warning of possible service disruptions as operating costs climb.
By delivering its first direct jet‑fuel shipment to Ethiopian Airlines, Dangote Petroleum Refinery demonstrates its capability to meet both regional and international demand. The move underscores the refinery’s role in reshaping fuel supply dynamics across Africa and highlights the growing importance of African refining capacity in a volatile global energy market.
