Soaring global energy prices are impacting Africans, including major oil-exporting nations like Nigeria and Angola. While oil-producing countries see increased revenue post the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many African nations lack refining capacity, leading to high import costs for petroleum products. Rising natural gas prices further affect the continent, impacting nitrogen-based fertilizers crucial for food production. With stagnant salaries, over two-thirds of Africans feel pressure from increasing prices. The spike in energy costs fuels inflation, with examples in Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
Africa’s reliance on imported oil poses multifaceted challenges, warranting a shift towards greater energy self-sufficiency. Economically, dependence on foreign oil exposes African nations to the volatility of global oil prices, leading to trade imbalances and fiscal instability. The continual drain of foreign currency for oil imports contributes to trade deficits, accentuating economic vulnerabilities. Moreover, geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions associated with imported oil underscore the importance of bolstering energy security through the development of domestic sources.
A six-month fuel export ban has been enacted by Russia in response to growing domestic demand. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has authorized the ban of petrol supplies to other countries to prevent shortages and rising prices in the home market like a similar prohibition that was implemented in 2023. The latest ban, however, is expected to last much longer because of indications that the Russian government is seeking to control the escalating cost of petrol before the presidential election. The suspension of exports will potentially make room for refinery maintenance and repairs, as several of them have been targeted in the last few months due to the conflict in Ukraine. Because of the harm done to its energy infrastructure recently, Moscow cut back on its shipments of petrol to countries outside the Commonwealth of Independent States.
As part of OPEC+’s attempts to sustain prices, Russia has started to deliberately reduce its petroleum exports by 500,000 barrels. According to statistics from Refinitiv, Russia exported 1.9 million gasoline between January and March of this year, an increase from 1.3 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2022. According to Kpler statistics, unprecedented amounts of Russian gasoline were purchased by Africa in the first quarter of 2023—812,000 tonnes, or about one-third of Russia’s total motor fuel exports. Based on Kpler statistics, Nigeria emerged as the largest African importer of Russian gasoline, purchasing 488,000 tonnes in the first quarter compared to 38,000 tonnes in the same time last year.
African nations importing petrol from Russia will likely face supply disruptions due to the export ban. With Russia diverting its petrol supplies to meet domestic demand, these nations may experience shortages, leading to increased prices in their local markets. Since the ban is expected to last longer than the previous one, it will potentially exacerbate the impact on importing countries. This highlights the importance of energy security diversification for countries heavily dependent on a single source of petrol imports. African nations may consider exploring alternative sources and supply routes to mitigate the impact of such geopolitical decisions in the future.
Nigeria’s persistent efforts to reduce reliance on imported fuel, initiated in 2009, have missed multiple deadlines. Current attempts focus on the Dangote refinery and state-owned refineries undergoing rehabilitation. Despite government claims of stopping petrol imports in 2024, historical patterns of missed targets and challenges with crude oil supply to refineries cast doubt on this goal. Nigeria has imported over 5.52 billion liters of petrol since May 2023, despite a foreign exchange crisis.
Beyond economic considerations, the environmental impact of oil extraction, transportation, and combustion necessitates a move towards cleaner alternatives. The imperative to mitigate climate change aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, urging African nations to embrace sustainable energy solutions. Diversifying the energy mix by investing in renewables such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can not only mitigate environmental degradation but also foster long-term economic and social benefits.
Investing in domestic energy sources, particularly renewables, holds the promise of job creation and economic development. Renewable energy projects often require a skilled local workforce for installation and maintenance, promoting technology transfer and innovation. Additionally, decentralized energy solutions, like off-grid solar, can bring electricity to remote communities, improving quality of life and fostering community development.
While the upfront costs of transitioning to alternative energy sources may be a challenge, the long-term benefits are substantial. Reduced dependence on fluctuating oil prices, cost savings as renewable technologies become more competitive, and positioning African nations as leaders in sustainable energy are compelling incentives. In essence, weaning off imported oil is not only a strategic economic move but a holistic approach to fostering environmental sustainability, energy security, and long-term resilience for the continent.
