DMEA - Downstream Middle East & Africa

Oil prices increase as Middle East tensions rise

Oil prices increased slightly on May 19 following a breakdown in talks between the US and Iran over Iran’s nuclear programme, with Brent crude futures lying 13 cents higher at $65.54 per barrel.

Iran increases crude storage capacity by 2mn barrels

Iran has added an additional 2mn barrels of crude oil storage capacity to its Kharg Island export terminal, with tanks 25 and 26 being put back into operation after refurbishment on May 17.

NNPCL inspects Nigerian Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Co. Ltd’s leadership has conducted an inspection visit to the 110,000 bpd Kaduna refinery and 210,000 bpd Port Harcourt refinery as part of efforts to ensure they are running effectively.

Nigeria’s Dangote refinery set to receive 272,000 tonnes of international crude

Nigeria’s 640,000 barrel per day Dangote refinery received 146,000 tonnes of crude oil from the international market from the tanker Hercules this week, with another tanker – Sienna – set to follow soon afterwards.

Mozambique, Zambia sign MoU to build $1.5bn Beira-Ndola fuel pipeline

Mozambique and Zambia have signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a pipeline to transport refined petroleum products.

Iran, Afghanistan voice desire to work together in oil, gas development

Iran and Afghanistan signalled their mutual desire to cooperate in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors, with Tehran offering help to develop its neighbour’s growing petroleum industry.

Iraq rediscovers its forgotten Somalian refinery after 45 years

An Iraqi oil refinery built in Somalia in the 1970s has remained abandoned for nearly 45 years, before re-emerging into public awareness during recent diplomatic talks.

South Africa’s new National Petroleum Co. to synergise energy, fuel supply security via mergers

​South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF) has transferred assets and funds to the National Petroleum Company (SANPC), intending to unlock $83mn to $166mn worth of synergies from the merger of three state-owned petroleum products companies.

Iran to fire up two new refineries to cut costly fuel imports

Iran plans to bring online two new oil refineries, a deputy oil minister said, amid efforts to narrow the gap between domestic fuel production and soaring consumption.

Fire erupts at Baiji oil refinery in Northern Iraq

South Africa's energy watchdog NERSA approves amendments to licences to key crude oil pipeline

South Africa’s energy regulator has approved changes to the licensing framework for facilities operated by energy and oil firms, TotalEnergies South Africa (TotalEnergies) and Sasol Oil (Sasol) southeast of the country.

Focus on strategic gas monetisation at Invest in African Energy 2025 forum

At the start of the Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum in Paris, African energy leaders called for stronger regional cooperation, smarter use of gas resources, and better local development policies.

East Africa moves towards LPG-based energy transition

The demand for cleaner fuels in East Africa is growing quickly as the region’s growth continues, with a local Nairobi-based company – Gasfil – offering to carry the torch.