Niger is struggling to balance oil production, consumption, and distribution, relying on Algerian fuel imports to ease domestic shortages.
Niger receives Algerian fuel delivery
On Sunday, November 1, Niger received 53 tank trucks carrying 1.65 million liters of fuel from Algeria in Agadez. This delivery was part of an effort to ease domestic fuel shortages and was conducted under a bilateral cooperation agreement at a preferential price.Fuel shortage prompts export restrictions
In mid-October, a gasoline shortage reached Niamey, prompting authorities to ban the export of super gasoline and diesel except for authorized surplus cases. Measures included regulating distribution and reducing gas station operating hours to ensure national supply.Discrepancies in fuel distribution noted
Before the Advisory Council on the Refoundation, the Minister of Petroleum, Hamadou Tini, highlighted significant discrepancies between the fuel delivered by the Zinder Refining Company (SORAZ) and the amounts distributed by the Nigerien Society of Petroleum Products (SONIDEP). These gaps amounted to over 200 million liters for super gasoline and 52 million liters for diesel.Import reliance and new cooperation
Niger’s limited domestic production has increased its reliance on imports, particularly from Algeria. In August, Algerian company Sonatrach began supplying Jet A1 aviation fuel to Niger under a contract with the SONIDEP, marking a new phase in their commercial partnership.
