[REVISION HISTORY]

Niger fuel supply crisis and mitigation

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2026-10-23 18:14 UTC → 2026-10-30 05:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Niger experienced a severe fuel shortage that impacted the capital, Niamey, characterized by long queues at gas stations and economic disruption. The crisis was driven by a gap between national demand and the output of the SORAZ refinery in Zinder, which was operating below capacity. Specifically, the refinery produced approximately 1.6 million liters per day, falling short of an estimated national demand of 3 million liters. To address the shortage, the government banned the export of super gasoline and diesel to prioritize domestic consumption. Authorities also implemented nighttime restrictions, requiring gas stations to close between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM to allow the state distributor, SONIDEP, to facilitate deliveries. Additionally, officials banned the sale of fuel in jerry cans outside of official stations in areas with at least one petrol station. While these measures were intended to improve logistics, they have contributed to increased congestion and frustration among motorists. Emergency measures included forming a technical committee on October 12 and planning fuel purchases from Nigeria and Algeria, including a planned shipment of 30 million liters from Algeria. By late October, fuel supplies in Niamey began to gradually normalize. Following inspections of the Sonidep Sorey hydrocarbon depot by the Ministers of Petroleum and Commerce, officials instructed station operators to follow weekly schedules to ensure timely replenishment. While high demand continues to deplete stocks quickly, reports indicate that long queues are diminishing and service efficiency is improving.

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