Dangote Refinery Begins Jet Fuel Exports to U.S., Set to Lower Aviation Prices
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has announced the commencement of jet fuel exports from the Dangote Refinery to the United States, a development expected to lower aviation fuel prices in North America ahead of the peak summer travel season.
In a statement issued by refinery management and confirmed by shipping data analysts, the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility has already dispatched six vessels carrying approximately 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel to U.S. ports this month, with another 348,000-barrel shipment scheduled to arrive in Florida by March 29.
“The Dangote Refinery has achieved 85% of its production capacity and is now positioned to compete in international markets,” said a spokesperson for the refinery complex. “These initial exports to the United States demonstrate our capacity to meet global demand for refined petroleum products.”
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have confirmed the shipments comply with international fuel quality standards. Market analysts note this marks the first significant flow of African-refined jet fuel to U.S. markets in recent history.
“These exports from Nigeria are arriving at an opportune moment,” stated James Noel-Beswick, commodities analyst at Sparta. “With the temporary shutdown of Phillips 66’s Bayway refinery in New Jersey, the U.S. market has shown increased receptiveness to Atlantic Basin supplies.”
The influx comes as U.S. jet fuel inventories reached 45.2 million barrels in February – the highest level for the month since 1999 – potentially creating downward pressure on prices during the upcoming summer travel season. Storage brokers report leasing activity for jet fuel tanks in Houston and New York Harbor has increased five to six times above normal monthly averages.
While the Dangote Refinery may not become a regular U.S. supplier, industry experts suggest these initial shipments demonstrate Nigeria’s emerging role as a swing supplier in global refined products markets. The refinery has already begun competing with European producers in gasoline exports to West Africa and Latin America.
The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources emphasized that the successful exports validate Nigeria’s downstream sector reforms and the potential of the Dangote Refinery to transform Africa’s energy landscape. However, analysts caution that sustained exports will depend on maintaining consistent production quality and competitive pricing.
As the refinery continues ramping up operations, stakeholders across global energy markets will be monitoring its capacity to maintain these export flows and potentially expand into other petroleum product markets. The successful penetration of the U.S. jet fuel market marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ambitions to become a major player in global refined products trade.
