Europe is facing a fuel emergency, and attention is quickly shifting toward Africa.
The Europe jet fuel crisis has intensified as supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain unstable.
Moreover, the disruption has left European countries scrambling for alternatives. Traditional supply from the Middle East has been reduced significantly. However, efforts to source fuel from the United States and West Africa have not fully closed the gap.
Jet fuel has now become one of the most unstable products in the market. Prices have surged to record levels, reaching $1,646.25 per tonne in March. Furthermore, traders are struggling to predict market movements due to sudden changes in supply.
In addition, the price of jet fuel has climbed far above crude oil. Premiums have crossed $100 per barrel for the first time. Meanwhile, the gap between jet fuel and diesel prices has widened sharply, adding more pressure.
This growing Europe jet fuel crisis has exposed the region’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern exports. Nearly 40 percent of Europe’s jet fuel imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts now believe Europe cannot easily replace lost supplies through its usual channels. As a result, attention has turned to Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery. The facility is being seen as a key option to stabilise supply.
“Dangote is ‘the best lever to pull’ among remaining import options,” said Amaar Khan, European head of jet fuel pricing, Argus. This statement highlights the refinery’s growing importance.
Since starting exports in 2024, the refinery has expanded its global reach. Jet fuel now makes up a large part of its shipments. “Dangote is offering up to 44,000 metric tons of jet fuel for loading March 20-22,” a source revealed.
Meanwhile, global refining capacity has been shrinking. Several plants in Europe and North America have shut down in recent years.
“The Atlantic Basin is now central to Europe’s resupply strategy, but capacity remains constrained,” analysts at Kpler noted.
European buyers have also praised the fuel quality. It meets Jet A-1 standards and even stricter requirements in some regions.
