Dangote refinery fills 13% of Europe’s aviation fuel deficit

The Dangote refinery in Nigeria shipped an average of 80,000 barrels per day of aviation fuel to Europe in the second quarter of 2026, covering approximately 13% of the supply shortfall caused by disruptions in Middle Eastern exports.

This level has made the Lekki complex the second-largest supplier of aviation fuel to Europe after the United States, according to Kpler data cited on Tuesday, September 15, by Reuters. The refinery’s diesel and gasoil exports have also increased by 23% since the beginning of the year, reaching about 48,000 barrels per day.

The surge in overseas sales comes as disruptions in the Middle East have reduced European arrivals of diesel and aviation fuel. In this context, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reported a net profit of $1.82 billion in the first half of 2026, with revenue exceeding $13 billion, compared to a loss of $476 million for the entire year of 2025.

The ramp-up of the facility has also decreased Nigeria’s reliance on imported gasoline. Imports, which were close to 400,000 barrels per day in 2024, have fallen to about 83,000 barrels per day this year, while the refinery has produced between 270,000 and 300,000 barrels of gasoline per day.

The group now plans to increase the processing capacity of the complex from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2029. This expansion would make the Lekki site one of the largest refineries in the world and increase the volumes available for Nigeria, West Africa, and international markets.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s public offering, which opened on September 14 following approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria, involves approximately 4.1 billion shares priced at 525 naira each and could raise nearly 2,150 billion naira if fully subscribed.