Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote begins fuel export to African countries amid supply shortage

Following a sharp increase in global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has commenced the export of refined petroleum products from the Dangote mega-refinery to several African nations experiencing fuel supply pressure. The development comes as many countries struggle with disruptions in international oil shipments and rising energy costs across global markets.

Nigeria’s massive refinery project, owned by Dangote, recently confirmed that it has started supplying fuel to neighboring African countries after the crisis in the Middle East caused instability in global oil distribution channels. The situation worsened after shipping activities through the strategic Strait of Hormuz were affected, forcing many fuel-dependent nations to search for alternative suppliers to stabilize their domestic markets.

Countries receiving fuel from Dangote refinery

According to reports from Deutsche Welle Africa, the refinery disclosed that it had successfully delivered 12 cargo shipments totaling about 456,000 tonnes of petroleum products to several African countries. These include Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Togo, all of which have recently faced supply challenges due to the global oil market crisis.

The Dangote refinery, located near Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center, has a production capacity of approximately 650,000 barrels per day, making it the largest single-train refinery in Africa. With this output level, the facility is capable of fully meeting Nigeria’s internal fuel demand while also exporting surplus products to other African economies.
The company stated that the refinery is expected to significantly improve energy stability across West, East, and Central Africa by reducing reliance on imported fuel from outside the continent.

Recent data published by Bloomberg indicates that the refinery is currently exporting close to 90,000 barrels per day, with additional requests already coming from markets outside Africa, particularly for aviation fuel.

At the beginning of the Middle East crisis, Dangote assured that the domestic Nigerian market would remain the first priority in order to prevent shortages and reduce the impact of price increases on local consumers.
Before the refinery became operational in 2024, Nigeria depended heavily on imported petroleum products and regularly experienced fuel scarcity.

Possible fuel shortage concerns in Kenya

Kenya is among the African countries that have shown interest in sourcing fuel from the Dangote Oil Refining Company as supply uncertainties continue to grow.
Geopolitical economist Aly-Khan Satchu explained that Kenya could soon face a fuel shortage because the country relies largely on imports from the Middle East.

He noted that the major challenge is not only securing fuel deliveries on time but also managing the rapidly rising cost of crude oil. According to him, key Middle Eastern crude blends such as Omani and Murban have already approached $150 per barrel, representing a price increase of more than 100 percent compared to earlier levels.

Nigeria and South Africa are also reportedly discussing a possible 12-month fuel supply agreement, which could further strengthen regional energy cooperation and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.

Current fuel prices in Kenya

Despite the global surge in oil prices, Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has maintained stable fuel prices for the moment, protecting consumers fromAfrica’s richest man Aliko Dangote starts exporting fuel to African countries amid shortage
Because most of the country’s fuel stock was imported before the Middle East crisis intensified, the impact on retail prices has been limited so far.

In Nairobi, the current pump prices stand at approximately:

• Petrol – KSh 178.28
• Diesel – KSh 166.54
• Kerosene – KSh 152.78

In Mombasa, residents pay slightly lower rates:

• Petrol – KSh 175.00
• Diesel – KSh 163.26
• Kerosene – KSh 149.49

The situation remains uncertain, however, as continued instability in global oil supply routes could lead to further price adjustments in the coming months.