L–R: President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Museveni; President of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu, at The Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on April 23, 2026.
BY Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a critical pillar supporting Nigeria’s aviation industry, revealing that the facility currently supplies over 95 per cent of the Jet A1 fuel consumed nationwide.
The association also disclosed that the refinery exported approximately 1.1 billion litres of aviation fuel to Europe between March and April 20, underscoring its growing presence in the international market.
Speaking during a televised interview, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo said the refinery’s output has been instrumental in sustaining domestic airline operations amid global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs.
“It is a matter of fact that over 95 per cent 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,” Okonkwo said.
He, however, noted that despite the refinery’s consistent supply, airlines continue to face significant operational challenges due to escalating Jet A1 prices, which he attributed to sharp practices within the downstream distribution chain.
According to him, some fuel marketers are allegedly creating artificial scarcity despite adequate supply, leading to disproportionate price increases. He revealed that airline operators have experienced 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 added.
Echoing these concerns after a closed-door meeting between the AON and the Federal Government, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the situation as 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 queried. “So, why the astronomical increase?”
Meanwhile, the Dangote refinery continues to expand its footprint in the global aviation fuel market. Industry data indicate that the facility exported about 876,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe within the period under review—approximately 456,000 tonnes in March and an additional 420,000 tonnes by April 20.
The export volumes highlight the refinery’s growing capacity and improved logistics, reinforcing Nigeria’s emerging role in the global downstream oil and gas market, even as it strengthens domestic energy security.
