Europe’s fuel buyers are steering clear of diesel from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery after recent tests showed the product doesn’t meet the continent’s strict winter specifications. Traders say the diesel contains higher-than-allowed sulfur levels and other components that make it unsuitable for cold-weather use or blending.

Despite a tight supply situation in Europe, importers are avoiding Nigerian cargoes because the issue goes beyond pricing — the fuel simply doesn’t meet required quality benchmarks. A trader who reviewed samples taken in mid-November noted that the diesel exceeded several limits used in markets like Germany, making it unusable during the winter season.

The refinery, Africa’s largest at 650,000 barrels per day, is already dealing with operational disruptions, unplanned outages, worker disputes, and suspected sabotage as part of ongoing restructuring efforts.

Meanwhile, refining margins in North America and Asia have surged to levels last seen in late 2023, with Europe experiencing even sharper increases. The market is bracing for additional pressure early next year when the EU enforces a January 21 ban on fuels processed from Russian crude — a move expected to tighten supply even further.

Analysts say the combination of sanctions and the absence of Nigerian diesel could deepen Europe’s fuel shortage as winter demand climbs.