Dangote Refinery emerged as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April 2026 following rising production levels and disruptions in global fuel trade caused by the Middle East conflict.
According to an S&P Global Energy report, the refinery increased aviation fuel exports after global supply chains were disrupted across major markets, creating opportunities for alternative suppliers.
Data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea showed that Dangote Refinery became the single largest exporter of aviation fuel globally during the month under review.
The report stated that the refinery switched to maximum jet fuel production mode following the outbreak of the conflict, significantly increasing export volumes into international markets.
Dangote Refinery, with a refining capacity of about 650,000 barrels per day, has now reached full operational output after months of gradual ramp-up activities.
The facility has also expanded blending operations through the importation of feedstocks including gas-to-liquid naphtha and Bonny condensate to improve gasoline production yields.
The refinery is transitioning into a merchant refining structure that allows it to actively trade crude oil and refined petroleum products in international markets instead of operating mainly as a domestic processing facility.
Operations are also expanding beyond Nigerian light sweet crude as the refinery strengthens its ability to process multiple crude grades, including heavier blends and residue feedstocks.
The report showed that the refinery can currently process about 40 different crude grades, with plans underway to increase the number as part of efforts to strengthen its position in the global energy market.
Dangote Refinery is targeting future production capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day, a move expected to require additional crude supplies from international markets including the United States, the Middle East and South America.
The company is also pursuing long-term supply agreements with governments, airlines and national oil companies as it gradually reduces dependence on spot-market transactions.
Further expansion plans include investments in storage and logistics infrastructure across Africa.
The projects include proposed storage and logistics facilities in Namibia, pipeline discussions in Zambia and storage expansion initiatives across parts of Central and East Africa.
The report also noted that the Lekki Free Zone is being positioned as a major industrial and export hub driven by refining, petrochemicals and integrated logistics infrastructure.
Dangote Refinery has continued to expand operations since commencing large-scale refining activities, increasing exports of petroleum products into regional and international markets.
The refinery has also intensified efforts to diversify crude sourcing and strengthen international trading operations as part of plans to compete with major global refining hubs.
Industry data showed that the disruption in Middle East fuel exports significantly reshaped aviation fuel trade flows during April, contributing to increased demand for alternative suppliers from Africa and other regions.
The development further highlights the growing role of Nigeria’s refining sector in global petroleum product exports as local refining capacity continues to expand.
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