SENEGAL has reached a major energy milestone by refining its own domestically produced crude oil for the first time. The African Refinery Company (SAR), which has operated since 1961, previously only processed imported oil. Now, it has successfully refined crude from the Sangomar oil field, marking a new era in the country’s energy independence.
First locally processed crude oil
SAR announced on Thursday that it had successfully refined 650,000 barrels of crude oil since Saturday. The process yielded 90,000 tonnes of fuel products, including diesel, kerosene, petrol, and butane gas.
‘After a successful processing with satisfactory results, the materials we have produced, such as heating oil and diesel, are now on their way to dedicated storage areas,’ SAR stated.
A step towards energy independence
Senegal began oil production in June 2024 at the Sangomar oil field, operated by Woodside Energy. The country also became a gas producer in December 2024, sharing a major offshore gas field with Mauritania.
While Senegal’s oil production is still modest compared to global and African energy giants like Nigeria, its refining capabilities will help reduce reliance on fuel imports and boost domestic consumption and exports.
Economic transformation and future prospects
The start of local refining is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue, paving the way for economic transformation. As Senegal continues expanding its oil and gas sector, the country anticipates new job opportunities, industrial growth, and stronger energy security.
With its first batch of locally refined oil successfully processed, Senegal is set to solidify its position in Africa’s energy market and drive long-term economic benefits.
