The Dangote Refinery has begun supplying jet fuel to the United Kingdom as disruptions in Middle East tighten shipments supply, a new report monitored by Energy in Africa shows.
A jet fuel cargo from Nigeria arrived at Milford Haven in the UK this week, the report said, as European buyers turn to alternative sources following the blockage of key shipping routes linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
Data from market intelligence firms Kpler and Vortexa, show that the last known shipment of jet fuel from the Middle East to the UK is expected to arrive this week, with no additional cargoes currently visible due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Middle East disruption cuts supply routes
The Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy corridor, has been severely affected by the conflict, limiting shipments from the Middle East to Europe.
The UK has relied on the Middle East for at least half of its jet fuel imports in recent months, especially after reducing dependence on Russian supplies following the Ukraine war and amid declining domestic refining capacity.
“Market understanding is that fuel shortages are not far away in some countries,” said Janiv Shah, vice-president of oil markets at Rystad Energy, as quoted by the publication. He added that “higher prices are to trickle through the entire supply chain and will be felt by all.”
Europe turns to alternative suppliers
With supply from the Middle East constrained, European buyers are now sourcing jet fuel from other regions, including West Africa and the United States.
A jet fuel cargo from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery arriving in the UK signals a shift in global fuel trade flows, as suppliers reposition cargoes to meet demand in affected markets.
“The system doesn’t stop — it reshuffles,” said Matt Stanley, head of market engagement for EMEA and APAC at Kpler, according to the Financial Times. “It’s really a story of rerouting and price adjusting, rather than an outright shortage.”
The supply disruption has driven a sharp increase in jet fuel prices across Europe. According to pricing data from Argus Media cited in the report, benchmark north-west European jet fuel prices have risen to about $1,744 per tonne, roughly double pre-war levels.
Industry experts warn that if supply constraints persist, airlines could begin to feel the impact more strongly in the coming weeks, potentially leading to higher ticket prices and operational challenges.
UK government response
The UK government has sought to reassure the public that fuel supplies remain stable for now.
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said, according to the Financial Times, that “jet fuel shipments are continuing to arrive in the UK,” adding that the country also imports fuel from India, the United States and the Netherlands.
However, the report noted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already convened a meeting with leaders from the energy, shipping, finance and insurance sectors to address the situation.
“This is going to have to be a joint effort,” Starmer said at the meeting, as quoted by the newspaper.
The development points to a broader shift in global energy supply chains, as geopolitical tensions disrupt traditional trade routes and force countries to seek new suppliers.
For Nigeria, the Dangote refinery’s export of jet fuel to Europe signals its growing role in the international refined products market, even as global demand patterns continue to adjust to ongoing supply disruptions.
