By Ayomide Otitoju
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced direct aviation fuel deliveries to international carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, as global fuel markets face pressure from ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.
Managing Director David Bird disclosed at an energy conference in Lagos that the refinery is now exporting jet fuel, diesel, and petrol beyond Nigeria after achieving sufficient production to meet domestic demand.
According to him, the facility has supplied refined products to 11 African countries since the escalation of Middle East tensions in late February, reflecting a growing export strategy driven by surplus output.
“We’re proud to have done a direct delivery to Ethiopian Airlines, and we will continue to export surplus production to neighbouring African countries,” Bird said.
He noted that the refinery is currently operating at full capacity following maintenance, enabling it to respond to rising global demand for aviation fuel amid supply shortages in several regions.
Global oil prices, which have climbed to around $112 per barrel, have increased aviation fuel costs worldwide. Bird, however, stressed that supply shortages pose a greater challenge than price volatility.
“What is worse than $100 or $120 oil is no oil at all,” he said, citing shortages in countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Despite global market pressures, he maintained that Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply remains stable due to increased local refining capacity, driven by investments aimed at reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
Industry data indicates strong export margins for jet fuel, particularly in Europe, where seasonal travel demand has driven imports from Nigeria to record levels.
The refinery, which produces about 24 million litres of jet fuel daily, supplies both export markets and Nigerian airlines, whose combined demand is estimated at 2.1 million litres per day.
However, rising fuel costs continue to strain domestic aviation operators, with airlines warning of potential operational challenges due to increased expenses.
The refinery sources crude oil from the United States, African producers, and Brazil, positioning it as a significant player in global refined product supply chains.
