US fuel exports to Africa surge as Gulf supplies decline

United States fuel exports to Africa have increased sharply in recent months, with American companies reportedly replacing traditional suppliers from the Persian Gulf in several African markets, according to South African public broadcaster SABC.

The report said imports of gasoline and diesel from the U.S. have risen significantly since the escalation of hostilities in the Persian Gulf region in February, which disrupted established supply routes and trade flows.

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, imported approximately 5 million barrels of diesel and 400,000 barrels of gasoline from the United States during this period. According to the report, such volumes represent an unprecedented level of fuel purchases from American suppliers.

South Africa currently has no commercial crude oil production and consumes just over 600,000 barrels of petroleum products per day. Around 160,000 barrels of fuel are produced domestically from coal, while the remainder is imported. Historically, more than 70% of its fuel imports have come from Gulf suppliers including Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The report also noted similar shifts in other African markets, including Côte d'Ivoire and Namibia, which have reportedly increased purchases of fuel from the United States while reducing reliance on Gulf suppliers.

SABC said the United States is emerging as one of the key sources of diesel and gasoline for African economies as global energy trade patterns adjust to recent geopolitical developments.

By Sabina Mammadli