Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is experiencing a surge in inquiries from African countries seeking fuel supplies as disruptions from the Iran war tighten global markets.

This was disclosed in a Bloomberg report published on Friday.

According to the report, several governments are scrambling to secure alternative sources of refined petroleum products amid the supply shock.

It is reported that Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has been approached by South Africa and several other African countries seeking to stabilise fuel supplies in the wake of the crisis.

Officials and industry stakeholders note that the surge in demand is driven more by concerns over fuel availability than pricing, as countries prioritise energy security.

“Right now it is not about pricing, it’s about availability. I think the situation will continue for a while,” Aliko Dangote said in an interview with The Economist.

The report quoted South Africa’s government as saying it is “actively coordinating with industry stakeholders to secure both crude oil and refined petroleum products from a diversified range of sources.”

The government added that “a comprehensive plan is in place to manage potential supply risks.”

The remarks highlight the growing urgency among countries to secure reliable fuel supplies amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

The 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery is positioning itself as a major alternative supply hub for African countries aiming to cut dependence on the Middle East.

About 75 per cent of its output is allocated to Nigeria, with the rest available for export.

South Africa is said to be pursuing a 12-month supply agreement, according to sources familiar with the talks.

Ghana and Kenya have also reportedly approached Dangote for fuel supplies.