Dangote Refinery emerges as world’s largest jet fuel exporter amid global supply disruption

Dangote Petroleum Refinery became the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April 2026 as global supply chains faced disruption from escalating tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

According to data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea, the Nigeria-based refinery rapidly increased aviation fuel exports after conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States disrupted traditional fuel supply routes and tightened global energy markets.

The development marks a major milestone for the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, which has now reached full production capacity following a gradual operational ramp-up. It also signals Nigeria’s growing influence in global refined petroleum markets as Dangote expands beyond domestic fuel supply into international trading operations.

Executives at the refinery said the company shifted operations into what they described as “max jet mode” after aviation fuel buyers increasingly sought alternative suppliers outside the Middle East.

The refinery maintained near-peak output levels by using a flexible blending system involving feedstocks such as gas-to-liquids naphtha and Bonny condensate to maximise aviation fuel production.

Dangote pushes global trading and expansion ambitions

Dangote Refinery executives say the company is increasingly positioning itself as a global trading hub for crude oil and refined products rather than a refinery focused mainly on Nigeria’s domestic market.

Chief Executive Officer David Bird said the company plans to expand the range of crude grades the refinery can process as part of a broader international strategy.

The refinery currently handles about 40 different crude oil grades, with ambitions to eventually approach the flexibility of major global refining hubs such as Singapore’s Pulau Bukom refinery.

To support its expansion plans, Dangote is exploring long-term supply and product offtake agreements with governments, airlines, and national oil companies while also investing in logistics and storage infrastructure across Africa.

The company is reportedly considering storage projects in Namibia, logistics investments across East and Central Africa, and pipeline discussions in Zambia as it expands its regional footprint.

Bird added that the long-term target is to increase refinery capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day, a move that would require sourcing crude oil from multiple regions including the United States, South America, and the Middle East.

The refinery’s growing international role has also affected Nigeria’s domestic aviation market. Earlier this year, rising Jet A1 prices pressured local airlines, prompting government intervention and temporary credit support measures.

In response, Dangote Refinery reduced its ex-depot aviation fuel price from N1,750 to N1,650 per litre and introduced a 30-day interest-free credit facility for marketers and airline operators.

The company also shifted aviation fuel transactions from dollar-denominated sales to naira pricing in an effort to improve local supply stability and reduce foreign exchange pressure on Nigerian airlines.

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