Dangote Refinery exports 1.1bn litres of jet fuel to Europe, covers 95% of Nigeria’s supply — AON

The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s aviation industry, disclosing that the facility currently supplies over 95 per cent of all Jet A1 fuel consumed domestically while exporting approximately 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20.

AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo made the disclosure during a televised interview, saying the refinery’s output has been instrumental in sustaining domestic airline operations amid global supply disruptions triggered by tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs.

“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent of aviation fuel supplied across the country comes from the Dangote refinery. To airline operators in Nigeria, Dangote is not just a refinery; it is a game changer and, indeed, a lifesaver,” Okonkwo said.

Despite the refinery’s consistent output, Okonkwo said airlines continue to face severe operational strain due to escalating Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain. He alleged that some fuel marketers were creating artificial scarcity despite adequate supply from the refinery, resulting in price hikes of up to 300 per cent since the onset of the Middle East crisis.

“We consider this exploitation. The refinery has not indicated any shortage, yet we are witnessing artificial scarcity and unjustifiable price increases. What airlines pay does not reflect depot prices,” he said, suggesting the presence of racketeering in the market.

Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Allen Onyema echoed those concerns after a closed-door meeting between the AON and the Federal Government, describing the pricing situation as deeply troubling given that the Dangote refinery sells its products at comparatively lower rates than what airlines are ultimately charged.

“The truth is that marketers must be called to account. How do prices rise by as much as 300 per cent when Dangote’s supply remains the cheapest and some marketers source directly from the refinery? So, why the astronomical increase?” Onyema asked.

Industry data show that the refinery exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review — about 456,000 metric tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 metric tonnes by April 20 — underscoring the facility’s growing production capacity and improved logistics.

The export figures further cement Nigeria’s emerging role in the global downstream oil and gas market, even as the refinery continues to anchor domestic aviation fuel supply.