Europe is increasingly looking to Nigeria to help secure its aviation fuel needs as geopolitical tensions disrupt traditional supply routes from the Middle East.
Data from energy intelligence firm Kpler shows that European jet fuel imports from Nigeria and the United States averaged around 200,000 barrels per day in May, with supplies from the Dangote Refinery playing a key role in the increase.
From Gulf Dominance to Supply Diversification
For decades, Europe relied heavily on the Gulf region for aviation fuel. In 2025 alone, Middle Eastern suppliers delivered about 300,000 barrels per day of jet fuel to Europe through the Strait of Hormuz, accounting for more than half of the continent’s total imports of roughly 550,000 barrels per day.
At one stage, nearly 75% of Europe’s imported jet fuel—around 375,000 barrels daily—came from Gulf producers.
However, disruptions linked to the Iran conflict have complicated tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting buyers to seek alternative sources.
Dangote Refinery Reshapes Export Markets
Nigeria’s growing importance in the market has coincided with the rise of the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest refining facility, which began operations in 2024.
The refinery has rapidly transformed Nigeria from a major fuel importer into a significant exporter of refined petroleum products.
In April, Nigerian jet fuel deliveries to Europe reached a record 272,000 metric tonnes within the first 29 days of the month, following an estimated 456,000 tonnes exported in March.
The figures highlight how quickly Nigeria has emerged as a reliable swing supplier capable of filling supply gaps when traditional sources are disrupted.
Record Exports Signal Growing Influence
The surge extends beyond aviation fuel. Nigeria exported more than 416,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products in April, marking one of the strongest export performances in the country’s history.
While European airlines have largely downplayed fears of fuel shortages during the busy summer travel season, energy analysts say Nigeria’s growing export capacity is helping to strengthen supply security across the continent.
What It Means
The numbers tell a remarkable story. Just a few years ago, Nigeria struggled with chronic fuel import dependence. Today, it is helping Europe replace part of the supply once dominated by Gulf producers.
As global energy trade routes continue to shift, the Dangote Refinery is not only reshaping Nigeria’s oil industry but also positioning the country as an increasingly important player in the international aviation fuel market.
