Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals is making waves in the global energy market, as the United States has imported over two million barrels of jet fuel from the Nigerian refinery in March. This latest shipment follows Dangote Refinery’s recent export of three cargoes—approximately 130 million litres of jet fuel—to Saudi Arabia, further cementing its role as a key player in international fuel supply.
According to ship-tracking data from Kpler, six vessels carrying around 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel from Dangote Refinery have already arrived at U.S. ports this month. Another vessel, the Hafnia Andromeda, is expected to dock at the Everglades terminal on March 29 with approximately 348,000 barrels of jet fuel.
With a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), Dangote Refinery is rapidly emerging as a major force in the Atlantic Basin fuel market. Its growing influence is now challenging U.S. domestic producers, as its competitive pricing and high-quality products begin to shift market dynamics.
Industry experts suggest that increased imports from Nigeria could lead to lower jet fuel prices in the U.S., particularly as the summer travel season approaches. Steven Barsamian, Chief Operating Officer of TankTiger, noted that Dangote’s shipments are contributing to a surge in supply, which could drive down aviation fuel prices.
“U.S. jet fuel imports from Dangote Refinery are expected to decrease aviation fuel prices during this period,” Barsamian said. “Imports in March have averaged around 226,000 bpd, the highest level since February 2023, highlighting the global demand for Dangote’s refined products.”
The rise in U.S. imports of Dangote’s jet fuel comes amid a maintenance-related shutdown at the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in New Jersey. However, analysts argue that this is not just a temporary shift but a sign of Dangote Refinery’s growing foothold in global markets. The refinery has already outcompeted European refiners in gasoline (PMS) exports and is now gaining traction in jet fuel supply.
Dr. Muda Yusuf, economist and CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), described the refinery’s success as a significant milestone for Nigeria. “This achievement reflects the high standards and quality of products coming from Dangote Refinery, as well as the confidence international markets have in its operations,” Yusuf stated.
Despite its global success, Dangote Refinery recently halted the sale of petroleum products in naira following failed negotiations with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over a naira-for-crude arrangement. This has raised concerns about domestic fuel supply, even as the refinery’s exports continue to thrive internationally.
Public policy expert Dr. Abimbola Oyarinu emphasized that Nigeria’s economy could have been in a much stronger position had the country maintained functional refineries in the past, instead of relying on crude oil exports while importing refined petroleum products.
As Dangote Refinery continues to expand its global reach, its impact on fuel markets—both domestically and internationally—remains a significant development to watch in the coming months.
