Faith Nyasuguta
Dangote Refinery has strengthened its position in the global energy market with the export of two cargoes of aviation fuel to Saudi Arabia. The shipment, destined for Saudi Aramco, marks a major milestone for the Nigerian refinery, demonstrating its growing international footprint.
Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest energy company, plays a key role in the global petroleum and natural gas industry. Speaking during a tour of the refinery by Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) directors, Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote announced the successful export.
“We are already reaching the ambitious goals we set for ourselves, and we are pleased to announce that we have just sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco,” Dangote stated.
Growing Market Influence
Since beginning operations, Dangote Refinery has supplied JET A1 fuel to Nigeria’s aviation industry and expanded exports to international markets, including Iceland and London.
According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Dangote’s aviation fuel is now used in major airports like Heathrow in the UK. Between January and October 2024, a significant portion of the refinery’s output was shipped to the Lomé transshipment hub off the coast of Togo.
The refinery currently supplies two-thirds of Nigeria’s jet fuel demand and nearly half of West Africa’s consumption, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports. Reports indicate that jet fuel imports dropped from 13,000 b/d in 2023 to 5,000 b/d in 2024.
Global energy players are also turning to Dangote Refinery for supply. British Petroleum (BP) made its first jet fuel purchase from the refinery, with the Doric Breeze vessel transporting 45,000 metric tons. Additionally, Singapore, Asia’s leading oil hub, received its first low-sulfur straight-run fuel oil cargo from Dangote.
Industry analysts say Saudi Aramco’s decision to source aviation fuel from Dangote Refinery further solidifies its reputation for high-quality products and expanding global reach.
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