Dangote Refinery Tenders Signal March Export Push For Jet Fuel

Wednesday 4th March 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Dangote refinery jet fuel tender activity increased this week after a trade source said Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery issued tenders to sell jet fuel and gasoil for March loading, signalling a fresh push to place refined products into regional and international markets.

According to the source, the refinery is offering up to 44,000 metric tons of jet fuel for loading on March 20–22. It is also offering at least 40,000 tons of gasoil with a maximum sulphur content of 50 parts per million for loading from March 15–30.

The refinery did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Reuters reported.

The tender volumes matter for West Africa’s fuel balance because the region has long relied on imported refined products. A larger and more consistent supply of low-sulphur diesel and jet fuel from a regional refinery can affect pricing, shipping routes, and inventory strategies at coastal depots from Nigeria to Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

For aviation, jet fuel availability influences airline operating costs and route economics. African carriers often cite fuel prices and supply reliability as constraints, especially when disruptions force costly uplifts at alternative airports. If supply increases from West Africa, carriers may have more options for procurement, depending on logistics, storage arrangements, and payment terms.

The specifications cited for gasoil align with tighter standards sought in many markets, including for transport fleets and industrial users. In practice, the ability to deliver consistent quality at scale, alongside predictable shipping windows, is what determines whether tender activity translates into sustained market share.

For Nigeria, refined product exports can also affect domestic supply dynamics. Policymakers have repeatedly said local refining is central to reducing import dependence, stabilising supply, and managing foreign exchange exposure. Market participants, however, also monitor whether export tenders coincide with domestic distribution plans and how pricing is set relative to imports.

Dangote refinery jet fuel tender

The next market signal will be whether the tenders attract firm bids and lead to repeat tenders through the quarter, which would indicate more regular export scheduling and a clearer footprint in regional fuel trade.