Several African nations, including South Africa, are seeking fuel supply agreements with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery following disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran-related conflict, according to Bloomberg.
The 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery, owned by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, has reportedly received multiple requests from governments looking for alternative fuel sources. South Africa is said to be pursuing a 12-month supply deal, while countries like Ghana and Kenya have also made inquiries.
This move comes as the Middle East crisis continues to affect global fuel supply chains, raising concerns across different regions. The impact is expected to be particularly severe in eastern and southern Africa, where about 75% of refined fuel imports come from the Middle East, according to energy consultancy CITAC.
South Africa stated earlier in the week that it is working closely with industry stakeholders to secure both crude oil and refined petroleum products from a wider range of sources. The government emphasized that a comprehensive plan is in place to manage potential supply risks.
Speaking in an interview with The Economist, Aliko Dangote noted that fuel availability—rather than pricing—has become the primary concern, adding that the situation may persist for some time.
Despite these challenges, South African officials have assured that the country currently has enough fuel reserves for the coming weeks. Similarly, Kenya has indicated there is no immediate threat of shortages.
Industry data shows that Africa’s reliance on imported fuel has grown due to declining refining capacity in several countries, increasing vulnerability to global disruptions. The Dangote refinery is expected to help ease supply pressures, although about 75% of its production is reserved for domestic use, with the remainder available for export.
