AfrOil: Russia to build fuel pipeline in oil-rich Congo

The Russian government has approved an intergovernmental agreement with the oil-rich Republic of Congo for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Lutete-Maloukou Trechot petroleum product pipeline. 

This project, for which no timeline has been set, was originally announced in 2017 but delayed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. It represents a significant development in the energy collaboration between the two countries, focused on improving petroleum product transportation infrastructure in Congo. The pipeline will connect the key cities of Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, enhancing the nation's energy distribution.

Russian pipeline builder Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey (ZNGS Prometey), owned by Alexander Ilyin, will be responsible for the project in partnership with the National Petroleum Company of Congo.

A joint venture will be established, with Russia holding a 90% stake and Congo a 10% share. The pipeline will operate under a 25-year build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) concession agreement, ensuring profitability through a guaranteed pumping tariff, which will cover operational costs and secure a return on investment.

The pipeline is set to play a crucial role in boosting Congo's energy infrastructure, connecting its largest cities and ensuring efficient oil product transportation. This project is part of a broader effort to strengthen economic and energy ties between Russia and Congo.

Since relations with the West deteriorated following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has been strengthening its ties with Africa. A significant part of this effort involves supporting the development of Africa's energy infrastructure, including the construction of pipelines, hydroelectric dams and nuclear power plants (NPPs).

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