The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased exports of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel to foreign markets as refinery shutdowns in the Middle East and Europe squeeze supply.

Located in Lekki, Lagos, the $20 billion mega-plant exported significant fuel volumes in August 2025, according to refinery officials.

A senior refinery officer confirmed that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Jet A1 (aviation fuel) were shipped abroad in long-range cargoes during June and July. Industry data shows the refinery is steadily building its footprint as a key global supplier.

Argus Media reports that the Middle East Gulf is facing a heavy refinery turnaround season, forcing major suppliers to depend on imports. Saudi Aramco has already shut down two facilities, with more closures expected later in the year.

The 460,000 barrels per day (bpd) Satorp refinery in Jubail is due for a 60-day shutdown in November-December.

1) The 400,000 bpd Jizan refinery has had its reformer unit offline since July.

2) The Yasref refinery, a joint venture between Aramco and Sinopec, is running at reduced rates.

3) Kuwait’s Mina Abdullah refinery (490,000 bpd) is also set for maintenance in October.

4) The timing coincides with India’s rising domestic demand post-monsoon, further limiting regional export supplies.

Fuel imports surge in the Middle East

With regional output declining, Middle Eastern buyers have sharply increased fuel imports. Vortexa data shows gasoline imports into the Gulf hit a seven-month high in July, with volumes rising to 1.03 million tonnes — up 35% from June.

Saudi Arabia’s gasoline imports surged from 144,000 tonnes in June to 478,000 tonnes in July, while the United Arab Emirates brought in 864,000 tonnes in August, up from 648,000 tonnes in July.

This demand spike has opened the door for new suppliers, such as Dangote, to fill the gap. Dangote’s growing export footprint Industry trackers note that Dangote supplied at least two long-range cargoes to the Middle East between June and July, strengthening its international presence.

In February 2025, Aliko Dangote announced that the refinery had sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco, marking a landmark deal with the world’s largest oil producer.

“Today, Nigeria has actually become a net exporter of refined products,” Dangote said, confirming that between June and July, the plant exported about 1 million tonnes of PMS.

According to a Punch report, the refinery, which targets a production capacity of 700,000 bpd by December 2025, is expected to play a crucial role in stabilising fuel markets during ongoing refinery shutdowns.

Compounding the supply squeeze, the European Union recently imposed sanctions on India’s Nayara Energy, disrupting its gasoline exports to Aramco.

With fewer options, the Middle East is turning to alternative suppliers, and Dangote stands out as a strong replacement.

Premiums for gasoline cargoes from the Gulf have strengthened, with Pakistan’s state-owned PSO receiving offers at $7–12 per barrel above spot assessments.

This pricing environment makes Dangote’s exports increasingly attractive.

Despite reports of technical challenges, Dangote Refinery insists it remains on track to ramp up operations and meet its 700,000 bpd target by year-end. Its exports to Europe and the Middle East signal Nigeria’s arrival as a serious player in the refined petroleum market.

As Aliko Dangote put it: “We are reaching the ambitious goals we set for ourselves, and I’m pleased to announce that we’ve just sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco.”

With regional refineries offline, the world is turning to Lagos — and Dangote Refinery is ready to deliver.