Dangote Refinery Becomes World’s Largest Jet Fuel Exporter

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has become the world’s top exporter of jet fuel in April, driven by increased production and disruptions in global supply caused by tensions in the Middle East.

This was revealed in a report by S&P Global Energy, which included comments from the refinery’s CEO, David Bird, during an interview at the facility in Nigeria.

According to the report, the conflict in the Middle East altered global fuel supply routes, creating strong demand for alternative suppliers.

This shift allowed the Dangote Refinery to step in and meet rising needs for aviation fuel.

Data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea showed that after the crisis began, the refinery increased its jet fuel production and, by April, had become the largest single exporter of aviation fuel worldwide.

“After the Middle East war began, Dangote shifted to ‘max jet mode,’ and in April it became the world’s single largest exporter of aviation fuel,” the report stated.

The facility, which now produces about 650,000 barrels per day, has been operating close to full capacity to keep up with export demand.

It has also introduced a more flexible production system, bringing in additional raw materials like naphtha and condensates to improve output, especially for petrol.

Bird explained that maintaining such high production levels requires better trading strategies, efficient logistics, and a stronger supply chain, especially as the refinery expands beyond relying only on Nigerian crude oil.

The report added that the refinery is gradually moving into a global trading model, where it buys and sells crude and refined products across international markets, rather than focusing only on local supply.

It is also diversifying the types of crude it processes, moving beyond Nigeria’s light crude to include heavier blends, with the capacity to process around 40 different crude types, a figure expected to rise over time.

Looking ahead, the refinery aims to double its production to about 1.4 million barrels per day.

To achieve this, it plans to source crude from other regions, including the United States, the Middle East, and South America.

The company is also working on long-term supply agreements with governments, airlines, and oil companies, reducing its dependence on short-term market sales.

“The long-term ambition is to move closer to global multi-crude benchmarks such as Singapore’s Pulau Bukom refinery, which can process more than 100 crude grades,” Bird stated.

The refinery is also investing in infrastructure across Africa, with plans for storage and logistics facilities in countries like Namibia and Zambia, as well as parts of Central and East Africa.

Bird said the long-term goal is to turn the Lekki Free Zone into a major industrial hub focused on refining, petrochemicals, and export operations.

The rise in jet fuel exports comes at a time when global supply has been affected by tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

These disruptions pushed up international jet fuel prices and opened the door for suppliers outside the Middle East, including the Dangote Refinery.

Back home, the increase in global prices has affected Nigeria’s aviation sector, leading the government to introduce measures such as price controls and short-term credit support for airlines.

Dangote refinery also reduced its jet fuel price and introduced a 30-day interest-free credit option for buyers.

It has further switched from dollar-based pricing to naira payments in a bid to ease pressure on local airline operators.

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