As wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe continue to reshape global energy trade, African countries are increasingly turning to the United States for fuel supplies, despite the rise of Nigeria's Dangote Refinery as the continent's largest refining hub.
According to data from energy intelligence firms Vortexa and Kpler cited by Bloomberg, U.S. refiners have significantly increased diesel and gasoline shipments to Africa in recent months, making the United States one of South Africa's leading sources of refined fuel products.
The shift highlights the vulnerability of Africa's fuel supply chain.
The conflict involving Iran has raised concerns about disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy chokepoints.
Kpler estimates that about 42% of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel imports into East and Southern Africa are linked to trade routes passing through the strait, exposing the region to geopolitical risks.
