The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil processing facility, has exported two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest energy company.
This milestone focuses on the refinery’s growing influence in the global energy market, reinforcing its position as a key player in the international oil and gas industry. During a visit by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) on Tuesday, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, emphasized the refinery’s rapid progress. “We are already achieving the ambitious targets we set for ourselves, and we are pleased to share that we have successfully sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco,” Dangote stated.
Dangote’s entry into the international jet fuel market follows last year’s successful deal with British Petroleum (BP). In 2023, S&P Global reported that BP purchased its first jet fuel shipment from Dangote Refinery. The 45,000-metric-ton cargo was transported aboard the Doric Breeze, marking BP’s initial acquisition from the Lagos-based facility.
According to S&P Global, this shipment demonstrated the increasing global reach of products from the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, which has significantly ramped up operations and is reshaping traditional West African trade flows.
The $20 billion Dangote Refinery began exporting products early last year, issuing tenders for its first international shipments. The inaugural cargo included 65,000 metric tons of low-sulfur straight-run fuel oil, awarded to Trafigura, a major global commodity trading firm as well as 60,000 metric tons of naphtha, a key component in the petrochemical industry.
As part of its international expansions, the refinery also exported its first shipment of low-sulfur fuel oil to Singapore, the world’s largest bunker hub. This move marked the refinery’s entry into Asia’s energy market, a region with significant demand for low-sulfur fuel oil for marine refueling.
With a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery is not only reshaping Nigeria’s petroleum industry but also influencing global fuel trade patterns. Its ability to meet international quality standards and secure major buyers like Saudi Aramco, BP, and Trafigura solidifies its standing as a major player in the global energy sector.
