The 700,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has maintained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of imported jet fuel for the second consecutive month in July 2026. Data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler reveals that the Nigerian refinery accounted for approximately one-fifth of Europe's total aviation fuel imports during the month.
The refinery exported more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in July. This follows a record-breaking June where the facility shipped 466,000 tonnes, cementing its growing influence in the global energy market.
Dominating European Aviation Fuel Imports
Europe imported an estimated 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July 2026. Dangote Refinery supplied roughly 20% of this volume, outpacing traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.
Industry analysts note that the refinery is reshaping established Atlantic Basin fuel trade by offering European buyers a competitive alternative. The facility's strategic Atlantic location, massive production scale, and export capacity have strengthened its market position.
In June, jet fuel loadings at the Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tonnes. During the same month, crude deliveries to the plant climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, supporting the surge in refined product exports.
David Bird, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, stated that the refinery continues to expand exports of jet fuel, diesel, petrol, and other refined products to Europe, Africa, and other international markets. This expansion continues to position Nigeria as a net exporter of higher-value petroleum products.
Maintenance Slows July Crude Throughput
Despite retaining its top supplier status, the refinery experienced a temporary operational slowdown in July. Refinery operations and overall refined product exports fell to a three-month low due to scheduled maintenance work.
Crude throughput declined to between 350,000 and 400,000 barrels per day starting July 10, following maintenance on the refinery’s Flue Gas Steam Generator (FGSG). This disruption prompted Kpler to lower its July throughput forecast to about 450,000 barrels per day.
The reduced refinery runs were expected to cut exports by about 75,000 barrels per day of petrol, 50,000 barrels per day of jet fuel, and 40,000 barrels per day of gasoil. However, this temporary dip did not prevent the refinery from leading European imports.
Geopolitical Shifts and Future Outlook
Supply uncertainties linked to geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have encouraged European buyers to diversify their sourcing. While smaller volumes continued to arrive in Europe from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, Dangote has emerged as a key swing supplier in the Atlantic Basin.
Kpler expects refinery throughput to recover to between 650,000 and 675,000 barrels per day during August and September 2026. However, upcoming maintenance on the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC) remains a key operational risk for the facility.
This sustained performance builds on earlier successes, including an S&P Global Energy report which showed the refinery emerged as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April 2026, driven by rising production and global trade disruptions.
