Europe increased its jet fuel imports from Nigeria in May, with supplies from the Dangote Refinery playing a major role in meeting the continent’s aviation fuel demand.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to data from Kpler, Europe imported an average of about 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) of jet fuel from Nigeria and the United States during the month.
The increase comes as Europe seeks alternative sources of supply amid disruptions affecting traditional exporters in the Middle East. In 2025, the region remained Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel, providing about 300,000 bpd through shipments passing via the Strait of Hormuz.
Kpler data showed that Europe’s total jet fuel imports averaged around 550,000 bpd, including supplies from India, Nigeria and the United States.
Europe had previously relied on Gulf producers for nearly 75 per cent of its jet fuel imports, equivalent to approximately 375,000 bpd. However, the conflict involving Iran has significantly disrupted tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting buyers to diversify supply sources.
Nigeria’s role in the market has grown rapidly since the launch of the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery, in 2024. In April, Nigerian jet fuel deliveries to Europe reached a record 272,000 metric tonnes within the first 29 days of the month. This followed exports of an estimated 456,000 tonnes to the continent in March.
The country also recorded strong overall petroleum product exports, shipping more than 416,000 bpd in April.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) had earlier projected that Europe could begin receiving additional jet fuel supplies by June, although European airlines have largely dismissed concerns about potential fuel shortages during the summer travel season.
