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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced direct aviation fuel deliveries to international carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, amid global supply disruptions linked to tensions between the United States and Iran that are tightening fuel markets.
Speaking at an energy conference in Lagos, Managing Director, David Bird, disclosed that the facility is now exporting jet fuel, diesel, and petrol beyond Nigeria after attaining sufficient output to meet domestic demand, according to a Business Insider report.
Since the escalation of the Middle East crisis in late February, the refinery has supplied refined products to 11 African countries, reflecting a broader export strategy driven by surplus capacity.
Bird noted that the company remains committed to prioritising African markets, even as it expands its global footprint.
“We’re proud to have made a direct delivery to Ethiopian Airlines, and we will continue to export surplus production to neighbouring African countries,” he said.
The refinery is currently operating at full capacity following earlier maintenance, enabling it to respond to rising aviation fuel demand at a time when supply shortages are affecting both developed and emerging economies.
Global oil prices, which have recently climbed to about $112 per barrel, have pushed up aviation fuel costs. However, Bird emphasised that the key challenge facing the market is not only price volatility but also availability.
“What is worse than $100 or $120 oil is no oil at all,” he stated, citing shortages in import-dependent countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Despite these global pressures, Bird maintained that Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply remains stable due to increased refining capacity. He attributed this to investments led by Aliko Dangote, which have significantly reduced the country’s reliance on imported refined products.
Industry data cited by Reuters indicates that the refinery is benefiting from strong profit margins on jet fuel production, particularly in export markets. European buyers, facing peak summer travel demand, have been paying a premium, with imports from Nigeria reaching record levels of between 78,000 and 96,000 barrels per day in April.
While European refiners are estimated to earn around $15 per barrel, analysts suggest margins at the Dangote facility are more than double that figure, supported by access to locally sourced crude and the plant’s large-scale operations.
According to Devakumar Edwin, the refinery produces about 24 million litres of jet fuel daily. Although a significant portion is exported to Europe, it also supplies Nigerian airlines, whose total demand is estimated at approximately 2.1 million litres per day.
However, rising fuel prices continue to strain the aviation sector. Domestic airlines have warned of potential disruptions as operating costs climb, highlighting the tension between export-driven profitability and local affordability.
