This significant economic shift highlights Nigeria’s declining refining capacity and rising demand for petroleum products in Southern Africa’s largest economy.
The report, based on trade data and market analysis, indicates that South Africa’s total fuel imports surged past Nigeria’s due to better port infrastructure, a recovering manufacturing sector, and sustained consumer demand.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, Africa’s biggest crude oil producer, continues to struggle with refining its own crude and remains heavily reliant on imports to meet local fuel needs.
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Analysts attribute Nigeria’s fall from the top spot to persistent issues including refinery outages, import restrictions, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Even with the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, the country is yet to attain full refining independence. In contrast, South Africa has diversified its import sources and streamlined its supply chain to meet growing domestic and industrial demand.
This development raises fresh concerns about Nigeria’s energy security and the sustainability of its fuel subsidy regime. Experts are now urging the Nigerian government to prioritize local refining, liberalize the downstream oil sector, and reduce reliance on fuel imports to stabilize the economy.
The shift marks a historic reversal in continental trade dynamics, as South Africa cements its position as a central player in the African fuel market.
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