Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has emerged as a key player in the global energy market, significantly increasing its exports of aviation fuel to the United States.
This surge has pushed U.S. jet fuel imports to approximately 226,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, marking the highest level since February 2023.
The 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, began operations in January 2024 and quickly ramped up to 85% capacity by February 2025, enabling it to expand fuel sales to international markets.
Management had stated that the plant will reach full operational capacity by March.
Initially focused on gasoline exports, the refinery has now expanded into the aviation fuel sector, reshaping global fuel trading dynamics.
In March, six vessels carrying approximately 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel from the Dangote Refinery arrived at U.S. ports, according to data from Kpler.
Another shipment of 348,000 barrels is expected to reach the Everglades terminal by the end of the month.
Trade analysts and storage brokers told Reuters that this influx is expected to put downward pressure on U.S. aviation fuel prices ahead of the peak summer travel season.
The increased supply has also driven higher demand for storage tank leases in key hubs such as Houston and New York Harbor.
TankTiger, a storage brokerage firm, reported an average demand of 700,000 barrels in April—five to six times higher than the usual monthly figures.
Despite the boost in imports, U.S. jet fuel inventories remain strong, closing February at 45.2 million barrels—the highest level for that month since 1999.
National aviation fuel output reached record levels in 2024 due to relatively stronger demand compared to other transportation fuels.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that U.S. jet fuel consumption will hit an all-time high in 2026.
Analysts suggest that while Dangote Refinery’s exports have temporarily filled gaps caused by maintenance shutdowns at U.S. facilities, sustained imports will depend on domestic production levels and inventory management.
Sparta Commodities analyst James Noel-Beswick told Reuters that Dangote is unlikely to become a regular jet fuel supplier to the U.S.
He explained that a maintenance-related shutdown at the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in New Jersey created a rare arbitrage opportunity for Nigerian fuel flows to the U.S.
However, Noel-Beswick noted that this import window is likely to close soon or shrink significantly due to elevated U.S. aviation fuel inventories.
Nevertheless, Dangote’s successful entry into the U.S. market underscores its growing influence and the evolving landscape of global energy trade.
In February, the refinery also exported two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco, the world’s most valuable energy company.
