DMEA - Downstream Middle East & Africa
Global oil shock puts Ghana on alert as government weighs fuel tax cuts
Ghana may review fuel taxes and levies if surging global oil prices place excessive pressure on consumers, a government spokesperson said, as rising geopolitical tensions threaten to drive up energy costs.
Iraq starts fuel exports to Syria via al-Tanf crossing towards Baniyas refinery
Syria has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the first Iraqi fuel convoys through the al-Tanf border crossing to the Baniyas refinery, paving the way for exports to global markets.
Afreximbank underwrites $2.5bn of $4bn loan to Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery
Afreximbank has underwritten $2.5bn of a $4bn syndicated loan for the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, supporting Africa’s largest refining project and boosting energy security.
Fire contained at Tabriz Petrochemical after Israeli strike
A huge fire at Tabriz Petrochemical Co. (TPC) in northwestern Iran has been contained and the facility is now stable, the company said in a statement after an Israeli air strike hit one of its units.
Botswana in talks to take 30% stake in Angola’s $6.6bn Lobito oil refinery
If Gaborone secures a 30% stake in the Angolan refinery, its proportional share would equate to around 60,000 bpd of refining capacity, roughly twice Botswana's current level of consumption.
Will the Houthis once more target Red Sea shipping?
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea bypass is now running close to its operational ceiling just as Yemen’s Houthis signal they are back in the regional fight.
US cuts Nigerian crude imports by 47% in January as Angola, Ghana gain share
US imports of Nigerian crude oil fell 47% m/m to 1.664mn barrels in January 2026, as Angola and Ghana increased shipments and Nigeria’s share of the US crude market dropped to 0.88%.
Tanzania, Zambia energy ministers discuss oil, gas cooperation and TAZAMA pipeline
Tanzania’s Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi and Zambia’s Energy Minister Makozo Chikote held talks in Lusaka on March 27, 2026 to deepen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with a focus on oil and gas
Ghana’s ZEN Petroleum targets $58.6mn IPO in major local market test
Through its core subsidiary, ZEN Petroleum Limited, the group ranks among Ghana’s top four oil marketing companies with an estimated 6% market share.
Houthi strike puts Red Sea shipping on alert as Hormuz remains shut
Yemen’s Houthi strike on Israel has renewed fears that Bab el-Mandeb could join Hormuz as a critical choke point for global shipping and energy flows
Nigeria lifts FX limits on oil exporters and allows full repatriation
Nigeria’s central bank has removed restrictions on oil export proceeds, allowing companies to repatriate 100% of earnings immediately, in a move aimed at improving forex liquidity and investor sentiment
Nigeria’s NMDPRA fuel import licences stir concerns over refining strategy
Fresh petrol import approvals by the NMDPRA have drawn criticism from the Energy Transparency and Market Justice Initiative (ETMJI), which warned that the move risks undermining domestic refining efforts and fuel quality standards
South Africa warns against panic buying as fuel supply fears grow
The South African government has moved to calm fears surrounding fuel supplies as the war with Iran rages on, noting that the country had enough capacity in reserve to last until April.
Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery benefits from Middle East war as fuel imports dry up
Nigeria’s 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Refinery is gaining leverage as the war with Iran continues in the Middle East, providing petrol for countries across Africa as imports dry up.
Nigeria misses full $100 oil price windfall as crude-backed deals limit gains, says FNCCI head
Nigeria may not fully benefit from near-$100 oil prices as crude-backed loan agreements, including the $3.3bn Project Gazelle, lock in large volumes of output at lower historical prices, limiting fiscal gains while inflation pressures rise.
Iraq’s oil output drops sharply as storage fills and Hormuz exports stall
Iraq’s oil production has dropped sharply amid ongoing conflict in Iran, as storage facilities reach critical levels and exports through the Strait of Hormuz remain blocked.
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