Many African economies are running on weeks of refined fuel as the Iran war chokes off shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, forcing governments to scramble for alternatives. The two regions receive about 75% of their fuel imports from the Middle East, according to Elitsa Georgieva, executive director at energy consultancy CITAC. Kenya, which consumes about 100,000 barrels of fuel each day and imports all of it, requires importers to hold 21 days of stock. As a benchmark, the IEA requires members to hold at least 90 days of net oil imports. Sentuo Oil Refinery Ltd. operates the country’s only functioning plant, with capacity of about 40,000 barrels a day, according to the Ghana National Petroleum Authority.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 18, 2026 10:54 UTC