Middle East crisis disrupts Africa’s fuel supply chain
Africa’s fuel supply is facing severe strain as the Middle East crisis disrupts key import routes. Countries across the continent are scrambling for alternative sources amid fears of shortages and rising competition from wealthier buyers. Jacob Mbele, Martin Chomba, and Abiy Ahmed have all highlighted the growing impact on their respective regions. The situation is exposing Africa’s dependence on imported fuel and its vulnerability to global market shifts.
TLDR
- Escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly linked to the Iran war, have disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening Africa’s fuel imports.
- Petroleum product loadings dropped from 580,000 metric tonnes in January to 183,000 metric tonnes in February, then to zero in March, reflecting a total supply breakdown.
- Countries like Kenya and Ethiopia are experiencing rationing and urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption, while some rural distributors face stock-outs.
- Russian diesel imports are helping to fill some of the supply gap in West Africa, with 480,000 metric tonnes arriving in February and 446,000 metric tonnes expected in March.
- Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is ramping up production to meet domestic demand, but the country still relies on some imports, underscoring broader structural challenges.
