Oil Refiners: Importing 70% Fuels Despite 5m Bpd Crude Output Exposing Africa to Disruption Risks

Despite Africa producing 5 million barrels of crude oil daily, the African Refiners Distributors Association (ARDA) has raised concerns over the continent's continuous importation of petroleum products, with 70% of fuels being imported. ARDA Executive Secretary Anibor Kragha warned that this heavy reliance on imports exposes Africa to risks of supply disruptions, leading to fuel shortages, economic paralysis, and political instability.

The lack of refining capacity in Africa, with only 40 refineries, many of which are outdated or underutilized, exacerbates the situation. ARDA is advocating for a strategic response to enhance energy sufficiency in Africa, focusing on upgrading refining capacity, harmonizing regulations, and developing infrastructure.

The association also emphasizes the need for mobilizing domestic capital, empowering regulators, and creating strategic fuel stockpiles to enhance resilience and reduce dependency on imports.