- Six vessels carrying 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel from Dangote Refinery arrived at U.S. ports this month.
- Another vessel, Hafnia Andromeda, is expected to dock at the Everglades terminal on March 29 with 348,000 barrels of jet fuel.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is strengthening Nigeria’s presence on the global energy stage as the United States imports over two million barrels of jet fuel from the world’s largest single-train refinery in March. This marks a significant milestone, showcasing the refinery’s ability to compete in international markets.
According to ship-tracking service Kpler, six vessels carrying 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel from Dangote Refinery arrived at U.S. ports this month. Another vessel, Hafnia Andromeda, is expected to dock at the Everglades terminal on March 29 with 348,000 barrels of jet fuel.
Experts say this development reinforces the quality and competitiveness of Dangote’s products, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global fuel trade.
The CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said, “This is a major achievement that underscores the trust of the international community in Dangote Refinery. It proves that Nigerian-made products can meet stringent global standards.”
The refinery’s exports to the U.S. follow its recent shipments of 130 million litres of jet fuel to Saudi Arabia, further expanding its global footprint. Analysts believe these exports could challenge European refiners and affect U.S. domestic fuel prices, particularly before the peak summer travel season.
According to Steven Barsamian, TankTiger’s Chief Operating Officer, the influx of supply from Nigeria is expected to lower U.S. jet fuel prices, benefiting airlines and travellers.
U.S. jet fuel imports in March have averaged 226,000 barrels per day (bpd)—the highest since February 2023—highlighting the rising global demand for Dangote Refinery’s products.
While these exports boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, concerns remain about the local supply of petroleum products. Recently, the refinery announced a temporary halt in selling refined products in Naira, citing challenges in securing crude oil from local producers.
Public Policy Analyst Dr Abimbola Oyarinu believes that functional refineries could have saved Nigeria from years of dependence on fuel imports.
“The Dangote Refinery is proving that Nigeria can compete globally. But the government must ensure an enabling environment so that more investors will be encouraged,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has hailed the refinery’s polypropylene production as a game-changer for the country’s struggling textile and plastic industries.
According to Segun Kadir-Ajayi, Director-General of MAN, Nigeria imports 90% of its annual polypropylene needs—about 250,000 metric tonnes—for $267 million annually.
With Dangote’s production, Nigeria is poised to become a net exporter, boosting industrial growth and saving foreign exchange. He stressed that the government should provide policy incentives to sustain private-sector investments in refining and petrochemicals.
Kadir-Ajayi added, “The availability of polypropylene will revitalise local industries, create jobs, and reduce production costs. This is a major step towards industrial self-sufficiency. If Nigeria aims for a $1 trillion economy, investments like Dangote Refinery must be supported. We must ensure ease of doing business to attract more investors.”
With 900,000 metric tonnes of polypropylene production capacity, Dangote’s $2 billion Petrochemical Plant is set to transform multiple industries, from plastics to textiles, reducing import dependency and enhancing Nigeria’s manufacturing potential.
As Dangote Refinery continues expanding its global reach, its success highlights opportunities and challenges for Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors. The refinery’s ability to secure local crude supplies and maintain competitive pricing will determine its long-term economic impact.