For nearly a week, Niger’s fuel stations have been grappling with severe shortages, leaving residents frustrated and struggling to secure enough premium fuel to meet their daily needs.
Long lines of cars and motorbikes have become a common sight in Niamey, as drivers queue for hours at the few stations that still have a supply. The state-owned Niger Petroleum Company (SONIDEP) has been rationing fuel, but many citizens argue that this measure is doing little to ease the crisis.
Moussa Kassou, a resident of Niamey, shared his frustration after driving across the city in search of fuel.
“Now someone has just called to tell me to come to Wadata. Someone with a liter of petrol. For two or three liters, you have to waste a liter and a half. It’s a nightmare.”
Moussa Kassou
Niger, despite being an oil-rich nation, is struggling to meet the national fuel demand, which is estimated to exceed two million liters per day. The country built its first refinery in 2011, yet the current crisis has raised questions about fuel management and government transparency.
Niamey resident Assoumane Hamadou Souley expressed concerns over the lack of clear communication from officials.
“We don’t have much information on this because the authorities, who are obliged to give us full explanations, are not doing so. We’re at a loss. We don’t have any real information.”
Assoumane Hamadou Souley
SONIDEP has blamed the situation on stock shortages, but this explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly from transport operators who are bearing the brunt of the crisis. With limited fuel availability, taxi drivers and urban transport operators have seen a decline in their daily earnings.
The Taxi and Urban Transport Drivers’ Union (SYNCTAXITU) has called on the government to increase fuel production to stabilize the supply.
“We think that the state must take a step forward in terms of production because if we are told that there are 25 trucks for the city of Niamey, I don’t think that’s enough.”
General Secretary Agali Ibrahim
To mitigate the crisis, authorities plan to increase the number of tanker trucks from 24 to 100 per day in Niamey. Meanwhile, industry experts and advocacy groups are urging the government to reopen borders with Benin and Nigeria to facilitate the temporary importation of fuel.
Niger’s Oil Industry, Growth and Challenges
Despite the current fuel shortages, Niger’s crude oil production has shown significant growth in recent years. In October 2024, production reached an all-time high of 53,000 barrels per day, up from 43,000 barrels in September. The country’s crude oil production is expected to reach 1.2 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2026.
Niger’s petroleum industry dates back to the 1970s, but significant production only began in 2011 with the launch of the Agadem oilfield and the Soraz refinery near Zinder.
Until recently, Niger’s oil was primarily consumed domestically due to the lack of an export pipeline. However, the completion of the Niger-Benin pipeline is expected to transform the country’s oil sector.
The newly completed 1,950km Niger-Benin pipeline, the longest crude pipeline in Africa, connects Niger’s Agadem oil fields to the Atlantic coast. With a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day, it is set to significantly boost oil exports and bolster the country’s economy.
Chinese Investment and Political Uncertainty
China has played a critical role in Niger’s petroleum industry, with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) overseeing major projects. CNPC operates the Niger-Benin pipeline and holds a 60% stake in the Soraz refinery. Since 2010, Chinese companies have drilled over 200 oil wells in Niger, discovering an estimated one billion barrels of oil.
However, Niger’s relationship with its Chinese investors has been fraught with tensions. In 2015, a shutdown at the Soraz refinery — officially attributed to a compressor failure — was reportedly a deliberate decision by Chinese operators, raising concerns over the partnership’s stability.
Adding to these challenges, political instability has further complicated the country’s oil sector. The 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum led to military control, disrupting key infrastructure projects. Benin, a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), imposed sanctions on Niger, preventing crucial pipeline equipment from crossing the border.
Despite its challenges, Niger’s oil sector remains a crucial pillar of its economy. Petroleum currently accounts for 12% of government revenues, 42% of exports, and 8% of the country’s GDP. With estimated crude oil reserves of one billion barrels, Niger has substantial growth potential.
However, overcoming the fuel shortage crisis, stabilizing production, and addressing geopolitical risks will be key to ensuring long-term success. The government’s ability to effectively manage resources and strengthen relationships with foreign investors will determine the future of Niger’s energy industry.
READ ALSO: Teephlow Explains Reason He Raps in English
