Nigeria strengthened its position in the global refined petroleum market in June after exports of aviation fuel to Europe surpassed shipments from the United States.
Market data compiled by S&P Global Commodity Insights showed that approximately 466,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel were shipped from Nigeria to Europe during the month, almost double the 232,000 metric tonnes exported in May.
The June volume represents the highest monthly shipment to Europe since Nigeria emerged as a net exporter of aviation fuel in 2024 following the commencement of production at the Dangote Refinery.
Based on the reported volume, the shipment is estimated at roughly 582.5 million litres of aviation fuel. Using an average domestic valuation of ₦1,300 per litre, the cargo carries an estimated value of ₦757.3 billion.
The increase in Nigerian exports coincided with a sharp decline in jet fuel shipments from the United States. U.S. exports to Europe fell from 818,000 metric tonnes in April to 560,000 metric tonnes in May before declining further to 399,000 metric tonnes in June, allowing Nigeria to emerge as a larger supplier to the European market during the period.
The surge in Nigerian exports came as European aviation fuel prices retreated from the elevated levels recorded earlier this year following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. With prices easing and additional supplies entering the market, traders reported that European buyers increasingly sourced cargoes from multiple refining hubs, including Nigeria.
Analysts said the Dangote Refinery has become an increasingly important supplier of refined petroleum products to international markets due to its large production capacity and strategic location.
Since commencing full-scale operations, the refinery has expanded exports of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products while creating new export opportunities.
Despite the increase in supplies, market participants believe developments in the Middle East will continue to influence the global aviation fuel market.
Shipping conditions through the Strait of Hormuz, refinery operations across the Gulf region and seasonal travel demand are expected to determine whether the current supply surplus persists in the months ahead.
Recent data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) further illustrates the scale of Nigeria’s refining expansion.
In April 2026 alone, the country exported an estimated 1.66 billion litres of refined petroleum products, comprising about 513 million litres of premium motor spirit (petrol), 534 million litres of automotive gas oil (diesel) and 615 million litres of aviation fuel.
The continued increase in exports reflects Nigeria’s transformation from one of Africa’s largest importers of refined petroleum products into an emerging regional refining and export hub.
Rising output from the Dangote Refinery has not only strengthened domestic fuel availability but also positioned the country to compete in international markets traditionally supplied by established refining centres.
Industry observers believe export volumes could remain strong if global demand improves and the refinery continues operating at higher utilisation rates.
With refining capacity expanding and overseas demand for cleaner transportation fuels remaining resilient, Nigeria is increasingly establishing itself as a significant player in the global market for refined petroleum products.
