South Africa, Other Nations Pursue Fuel Supply from Dangote Refinery Amid Global Shortage
By Our Editors
Several African countries, including South Africa, have approached the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to secure fuel supplies amid disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and owned by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, has reportedly received multiple inquiries from governments looking for alternative fuel sources.
South Africa is said to be seeking a 12-month supply deal, while Ghana and Kenya have also made moves to access products from the facility.
The development follows growing concerns over global supply chains as tensions involving Iran continue to affect fuel distribution across regions.
In Africa, the situation is expected to hit eastern and southern regions harder, as about 75 per cent of refined fuel imports in those areas come from the Middle East.
Authorities in South Africa said efforts are ongoing to secure both crude oil and refined products from different sources to reduce risks.
The government noted that a plan is already in place to manage any possible disruption in supply.
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, said availability of fuel has now become a bigger concern than pricing in the current situation.
He added that the crisis may persist for some time, raising further concerns in the global energy market.
Despite the uncertainty, South Africa and Kenya have both stated that there is no immediate threat of fuel shortages, even as Africa’s reliance on imports continues to grow.