Europe turns to Nigeria for jet fuel amid US–Iran conflict

Nigeria is fast becoming a key alternative supplier of aviation fuel to Europe, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt traditional supply routes and push buyers toward West African refineries.

A recent shipment from Dangote Petroleum Refinery to the United Kingdom highlights this shift, with European buyers increasingly sourcing jet fuel from Nigeria as instability linked to US–Iran tensions affects flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Jet fuel prices spike as Europe scrambles for new supply route

With Europe heavily dependent on imports routed through the Middle East, disruptions have triggered a sharp rise in prices, with North-West European jet fuel benchmarks reportedly climbing to around $1,744 per tonne nearly double pre-conflict levels.

Industry analysts say the market is not experiencing a full shortage yet, but rather a “rerouting” of supply chains, as cargoes are redirected from the Middle East toward alternative suppliers in Africa, India, and the United States.

The arrival of Dangote refinery cargoes in Europe signals a broader reshuffling of global energy trade, especially as European countries move away from Russian imports and face declining domestic refining capacity.

Experts cited in the report suggest West African refineries, particularly Nigeria’s Dangote facility, will play an increasingly important role in stabilising supply, even as higher freight and sourcing costs feed into the broader aviation value chain.

West Africa strengthens its position in global fuel trade

Since reaching full capacity of about 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote refinery has expanded exports of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel across West Africa and beyond, with recent deliveries reaching the United Kingdom.

Afreximbank underwrites $2.5bn deal to support Dangote refinery expansion

Analysts note that this positions Nigeria more firmly within global energy logistics, as buyers diversify supply sources to reduce exposure to geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

However, industry observers warn that while supply diversification may ease immediate pressure, sustained tensions could keep prices elevated and increase costs for airlines and consumers across Europe and other importing regions.