Dangote Refinery exports 1.1bn litres of Aviation Fuel to Europe, supplies Jet A1 domestically –AON

*The Airlines Operators of Nigeria describes the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, in Lagos, as a critical pillar of support for the aviation industry in the West African country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited as a critical pillar of support for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The AON disclosed the refinery currently supplies over 95 percent of the Jet A1 fuel consumed nationwide, just as the company has exported 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20, 2026.

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Speaking during a televised interview, Obiora Okonkwo, AON Spokesperson, said the Refinery’s output had played a vital role in sustaining domestic airline operations at a time of global supply disruptions arising from tensions in the Middle-East and rising fuel costs.

Okonkwo said: “It is a matter of fact that over 95 percent 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.”

According to him, despite the refinery’s consistent supply, airlines have continued to face severe operational strain due to escalating Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.

Okonkwo also said some fuel marketers were allegedly creating artificial scarcity despite available supply from the refinery, leading to disproportionate price increases.

He disclosed that airline operators have recorded Jet A1 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.

The Spokesperson further suggested the presence of racketeering within the market.

Echoing these concerns after a closed‑door meeting between the AON and the Federal Government, Allen Onyema, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace, described the situation as deeply troubling, particularly given that the Dangote refinery sells its products at comparatively lower rates.

“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?” Onyema asked.

“So, why the astronomical increase?”

Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery continues to expand its footprint in the international aviation fuel market.

Industry data indicate that the facility exported approximately 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review—about 456,000 tonnes March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.

These export volumes underscore the refinery’s growing capacity and improved logistics, further reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging role in the global downstream oil and gas market, even as it strengthens domestic energy security.

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