South Africa became Africa's top fuel buyer after Nigeria lost the title. The change happened when Dangote Petrochemical Refinery started making more fuel. Nigeria bought 3.1 million tonnes of refined petroleum during early 2025. South Africa bought 4.2 million tonnes during the same time period. The new refinery can make 650,000 barrels each day.
Energy experts think Nigeria will buy 6.4 million tonnes of fuel for all of 2025. South Africa will likely buy 15.5 million tonnes during the same year. South African refineries face problems with old equipment and lack of money. The country cannot make enough fuel at home anymore. Nigeria used to buy most of its fuel from other countries even after pumping lots of crude oil.
The Dangote refinery changes how African countries trade energy products. Nigeria makes progress toward using its crude oil better. African energy markets shift as countries build new refineries. South Africa struggles with fuel supply problems. The continent sees major changes in who buys and sells petroleum products.
Energy experts think Nigeria will buy 6.4 million tonnes of fuel for all of 2025. South Africa will likely buy 15.5 million tonnes during the same year. South African refineries face problems with old equipment and lack of money. The country cannot make enough fuel at home anymore. Nigeria used to buy most of its fuel from other countries even after pumping lots of crude oil.
The Dangote refinery changes how African countries trade energy products. Nigeria makes progress toward using its crude oil better. African energy markets shift as countries build new refineries. South Africa struggles with fuel supply problems. The continent sees major changes in who buys and sells petroleum products.
