Tunisia energy trade deficit rises 32% to 5.8 billion dinars

Tunisia's energy trade balance worsened in the first five months of 2026. The commercial energy deficit reached 5.767 billion dinars at the end of May, a 32 % increase from 4.373 billion dinars a year earlier. Both energy exports and imports grew 32 % in value, leaving the net deficit unchanged.

The rise coincided with a sharp increase in Brent crude prices, which jumped $43.3 per barrel compared with May 2025, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns over oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the Tunisian dinar appreciated 3 % against the US dollar, partially offsetting the impact of higher oil prices on the country's energy bill.