Nigeria’s Fuel Imports Drop as South Africa Becomes Africa’s Top Petrol Buyer

Nigeria’s reign as Africa’s top petrol importer has ended, with South Africa now taking the lead, according to a new CITAC report. This shift comes as Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery—Africa’s largest—ramps up output, dramatically slashing the country’s fuel import needs. The refinery, alongside modular facilities, now meets about 60% of Nigeria’s petrol demand, saving billions of dollars in foreign exchange. Meanwhile, South Africa faces refinery shutdowns and underinvestment, forcing it to import over 60% of its fuel. In Q1 2025 alone, South Africa imported 4.2 million tons, surpassing Nigeria’s 3.1 million. While Nigeria edges closer to energy independence, South Africa struggles to keep pace, reflecting major changes in Africa’s energy landscape.

Business Insider Africa