Europe’s Jet Fuel Imports from Nigeria Surge in April Amid Supply Disruption
Europe’s reliance on jet fuel imports from Nigeria and the United States has intensified this month, as geopolitical tensions disrupt traditional supply routes. Data from Kpler and LSEG shows that European imports from Nigeria reached approximately 66,000 barrels per day in April, marking a record high and underscoring Nigeria’s growing importance as a swing supplier since the launch of the Dangote refinery in 2024. Meanwhile, U.S. jet fuel exports to Europe are on track to hit between 149,000 and 200,000 barrels per day—also a record—while total U.S. jet fuel exports doubled to an estimated 442,000 barrels per day this month compared to last year’s average.
The shift comes as Europe’s historical dependence on Gulf suppliers—which once accounted for about 75% of its jet fuel imports—has been severely curtailed. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to tanker traffic, cutting off a critical supply corridor. European airlines have pressed the European Union to implement emergency measures, including potential airspace closures, to mitigate the impact.
The supply crunch is reflected in storage data: jet fuel stocks at the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub have fallen to their lowest level since March 2023. The International Energy Agency has warned that if Europe cannot secure more than half of the volumes lost from the Gulf, jet fuel stockpiles could drop to a critical 23-day threshold by June, at which point physical shortages would begin.
Nigeria’s role in filling the gap is particularly notable. The country’s record export levels—416,000 barrels per day of products so far this month—are being driven by both the Dangote refinery and strong international demand, with European and Asian buyers offering higher prices. However, domestic pressures persist: Nigerian airlines have threatened to suspend operations from April 20 unless jet fuel prices are reduced, citing a nearly 270% increase since February. The Nigerian government has pledged to intervene to address the price surge.
As Europe scrambles to secure alternative fuel sources, the global jet fuel market remains volatile, with supply chains and pricing under intense pressure.
