May 29 (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has emerged as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April, marking a major milestone for Africa’s biggest refinery amid disruptions in global energy trade triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
According to an S&P Global Energy report, the refinery’s rapid rise was driven by soaring aviation fuel demand after conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States disrupted traditional supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz a critical channel for nearly 20 percent of global oil and fuel shipments.
Speaking during an interview at the Lekki-based facility, refinery Chief Executive Officer David Bird revealed that the company switched into what he described as “max jet mode,” enabling it to dominate global aviation fuel exports in April.
The 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery has now reached full production capacity and is maintaining near-peak output levels through a flexible blending system that combines various feedstocks, including Bonny condensate and GTL naphtha, to maximize fuel yields.
Beyond its export success, the refinery is accelerating plans to become a global trading powerhouse.
Bird disclosed that the company aims to scale production capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by sourcing crude from the United States, the Middle East, and South America while expanding its ability to process over 100 crude grades in the future.
The refinery is also investing in strategic infrastructure projects across Africa, including storage hubs, pipelines, and logistics facilities aimed at transforming the Lekki Free Zone into a major global energy and industrial hub.
Domestically, Dangote Refinery has moved to ease pressure on Nigeria’s aviation sector by reducing Jet A1 prices and introducing naira-denominated sales alongside a 30-day interest-free credit facility for airline operators and marketers.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
