Nigerian refinery accused of sacking union members is key to UK plan to tackle jet fuel shortage
The Dangote refinery in Lagos, a key supplier of jet fuel to the UK, has been accused of dismissing workers for joining a union, sparking labor disputes in Nigeria. The UK government is relying on increased fuel imports from west Africa and the US to address a jet fuel shortage caused by disruptions at the strait of Hormuz. Despite denials from Dangote Industries, labor groups allege exploitative practices and union suppression at the facility.
- ▪The Dangote refinery supplied about 130,000 tonnes of jet fuel to the UK in March 2026.
- ▪The refinery was accused of sacking over 800 workers for joining the Pengassan union, a claim the company denies.
- ▪The Nigerian government intervened to protect union rights and ensure reemployment of dismissed workers within the Dangote Group.
- ▪Dangote Industries stated that workers were reassigned to other sectors and denied any retaliation over union membership.
- ▪The strait of Hormuz disruption has halted Gulf fuel exports, prompting the UK to seek alternative fuel sources.
- ▪There are now only four operational refineries in the UK following closures in 2025.
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The Dangote refinery in Lagos supplied about 130,000 tonnes of jet fuel to the UK in March. Photograph: Sodiq Adelakun/ReutersView image in fullscreenThe Dangote refinery in Lagos supplied about 130,000 tonnes of jet fuel to the UK in March. Photograph: Sodiq Adelakun/ReutersAirline industryNigerian refinery accused of sacking union members is key to UK plan to tackle jet fuel shortageHeidi Alexander says part of answer to strait of Hormuz crisis is importing more fuel from US and west AfricaDaniel Boffey Chief reporterMon 4 May 2026 11.58 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 12.32 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA refinery in Nigeria accused of dismissing workers for joining a union has emerged as key to the UK government’s hopes of saving the summer holiday amid a jet fuel…
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