Dangote Jet Fuel Exports Repositions Africa Aviation Fuel Trade

Jet fuel exports from Dangote Refinery are accelerating sharply, signalling a structural shift in global aviation fuel supply and the growing weight of African refining capacity in international markets.

Data from Kpler indicates that shipments increased by roughly 770 per cent between April 2024 and April 2026, rising from 18,000 barrels per day (bpd) at start-up to 158,000 bpd. The growth reflects both operational ramp-up and a favourable trading environment shaped by geopolitical disruption.

Instability across key transit corridors, particularly the Red Sea, has forced a reassessment of traditional supply chains linking the Middle East to Europe. In response, European buyers are increasingly sourcing from West Africa, attracted by shorter voyage times and reduced exposure to security risks.

Europe has consequently emerged as the refinery’s largest export market. Volumes reached approximately 70,000 bpd by April 2026, more than doubling year-on-year, as the region seeks to diversify supply away from Gulf producers.

At the same time, intra-African trade is expanding rapidly. Regional exports climbed to 69,000 bpd, nearly tripling over the two years. By supplying locally refined jet fuel, the refinery is helping to reduce Africa’s reliance on imports from Europe and Asia, while supporting greater price stability for airlines across the continent.

Exports to the Americas have been more volatile. After peaking at 55,000 bpd in early 2025, volumes declined to around 14,000 bpd by April 2026, as cargoes were redirected towards higher-margin European markets. Nevertheless, the region remains an important balancing outlet.
Beyond core markets, shipments to emerging destinations in South America and parts of Asia are also increasing, highlighting a gradual diversification of trade flows.

Overall, export volumes nearly doubled between December 2025 and April 2026, underscoring the refinery’s ability to respond quickly to shifts in global demand.
Meanwhile, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reported crude trading volumes of 1.71 million bpd over the past year, alongside continued progress in upstream production and gas infrastructure development.