Dangote refinery can be global jet fuel supplier, CEO says

With demand on the African continent lower than other regions, the refinery has ​a surplus to export.

"We're very grateful to be seen ​as a reliable, high-quality and dependable supplier able to ⁠land our product competitively all over the world," Bird said ​at the S&P Global Energy Middle East Petroleum and Gas ​Conference in London.

Jet fuel has been one of the fuels most acutely affected by the Iran war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

That has ​presented refiners based outside the Gulf region, such as Dangote, the ​opportunity to supply global markets. Bird said the refinery is currently running ‌flat ⁠out at nameplate capacity.

The refinery is planning what Bird described as a "ruthless replication" project to double capacity.

"We will bring 700,000 barrels per day of fully complex refining capacity on stream by the ​end of 2028," ​Bird said, ⁠adding that long-lead items have been purchased and the company is in the process of ​awarding construction contracts.

The group could then lift refining ​capacity to ⁠2.1 million bpd with another refinery planned in East Africa, helping it to become a significant player in crude and refined products ⁠flows, ​Bird said.

Nigeria has gone from fuel ​scarcity to absolute fuel abundance since the Dangote refinery came online, Bird said.