Senegal starts refining its own oil for the first time
Senegal has started refining its own oil for the first time. Until now, the country only processed imported oil.
The African Refinery Company which runs the refinery near the capital Dakar, said it has successfully refined crude oil produced in Senegal.
The oil comes from the Sangomar oil field off the coast of Senegal, Agence France-Presse reports.
Since February 8, SAR has refined 650,000 barrels of crude oil, producing 90,000 tonnes of fuel, including diesel, petrol, kerosene, and butane gas. The company said the fuels are now being moved to storage areas for use.
Senegal began producing oil in June 2024. The Sangomar field is operated by Woodside Energy, an Australian company. In December, Senegal also started producing gas from a field it shares with Mauritania.
The country hopes to use its oil and gas for both exports and local needs.
While it does not produce as much as major oil-producing nations like Nigeria, the government expects billions of dollars in revenue. Officials believe this will help speed up the country’s economic growth.
