SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Senegal launches oil refining with 90,000 tons produced

The Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) has announced that it has processed domestically extracted crude oil for the first time. This industrial milestone marks a strategic step in the local valorization of the country's energy resources.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 €*

then 199 €/year

SUBSCRIBE — 99 € for the 1st year

Create a free account to read this article

*renews at 199€/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

Founded in 1961, the Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) has so far focused on processing imported crude oil. This week, it reached a key milestone by refining, for the first time, oil produced in Senegal from the offshore Sangomar field, located in the country’s central-western region.

Successful first refining of Senegalese oil

According to a statement released by the company, SAR processed 650,000 barrels of crude oil since Saturday, generating 90,000 tons of petroleum products. Among these refined products are diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and butane gas. The transfer of these derivatives to dedicated storage areas is currently underway.

The local refining of these hydrocarbons aligns with a strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security while reducing its dependence on imported refined petroleum products. This development could also generate economic benefits by optimizing the local value chain.

A modest but strategic production

Senegal officially launched its oil production last June at the Sangomar site, operated by Australian group Woodside Energy. In December, the country also became a gas producer in partnership with Mauritania, at their shared maritime border.

Although production volumes remain limited compared to major African players like Nigeria, the expected revenues from these resources are projected to reach billions of dollars. These revenues could play a key role in accelerating Senegal’s economic development, particularly by supporting infrastructure projects and promoting industrial diversification.

Prospects between local consumption and export

The hydrocarbons refined by SAR will be destined for both export and domestic consumption. The extent of its impact on the local market will depend on the country’s ability to structure efficient distribution and maintain competitive costs against imported products.

With this first success in refining its own oil, Senegal takes a new step in the exploitation of its natural resources. The next phase will involve integrating this production into a sustainable and profitable energy strategy.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Metacon confirms partial delivery and receives EUR 14.9 million
Subsea7 secures offshore contract up to $1.25bn with TP-OTC in the Black Sea
Natural gas and solar receive broad support across the United States
Georgia Power launches targeted upgrades on its aging hydropower fleet
Canadian Utilities secures AUC approval for Yellowhead gas pipeline project
Washington grants sixth sanctions extension to Serbian oil firm NIS
The United States extends a 30-day reprieve to NIS, controlled by Gazprom, as Serbia seeks to maintain energy security amid pressure on the Russian energy sector.
CNOOC Limited records 6.1% increase in production for H1 2025
With net output reaching 384.6 million barrels of oil equivalent, CNOOC Limited continues its expansion, strengthening both domestic and international capacities despite volatile crude oil prices.
Talos discovers Daenerys in the Gulf, potential addition of 50 mn boe
The Daenerys oil discovery could increase Talos Energy’s proved reserves by more than 25% and reach 65,000 barrels per day, marking a strategic shift in its Gulf of Mexico portfolio.
Trump’s administration imposes 50% tariffs on Indian exports starting Wednesday
The United States will apply 50% tariffs on Indian exports in response to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, further straining trade relations between the two partners.
The global petrochemical filtration market will reach $6.76bn by 2030
Rising energy demand is driving investments in petrochemical filtration, a market growing at an average annual rate of 5.9% through 2030.
Chevron eyes Libya return after fifteen years away from the oil market
Chevron has opened talks with Libya’s National Oil Corporation on a possible return to exploration and production after leaving the country in 2010 due to unsuccessful drilling.
Canada launches consultation on offshore drilling monitoring
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada opens public consultation on its 2024-2025 draft monitoring report for offshore oil and gas exploratory drilling off Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cenovus acquires MEG Energy for $7.9 billion in strategic deal
Cenovus Energy announces the acquisition of MEG Energy through a mixed transaction aimed at strengthening its position in oil sands while optimizing cost structure and integrated production.
Vantage Drilling extends conditional agreement for the Platinum Explorer rig
Vantage Drilling International Ltd. extends the validity of its conditional letter of award until August 29, without changes to the initial terms.
Libya’s NOC Plans Bilateral Forum with American Energy Stakeholders
Libya is preparing to host an energy forum in partnership with American companies to boost investment in its oil and gas sectors.
The United States Sanctions Greek Shipper for Iranian Oil Trafficking
Washington increases pressure on Iran’s oil sector by sanctioning a Greek shipper and its affiliates, accused of facilitating crude exports to Asia despite existing embargoes.
BOEM validates final review for 30 offshore sales in the Gulf of America
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management formalizes a strategic environmental review, setting the framework for 30 oil sales in the Gulf of America by 2040, in line with a new federal law and current executive directives.
Hungary Seeks U.S. Support After New Disruptions on the Druzhba Pipeline
Amid repeated disruptions on the Druzhba pipeline, attributed to Ukrainian strikes, Hungary has requested U.S. support to secure its oil supply.
Aker BP quadruples estimates for Omega Alfa field in the North Sea
Norwegian producer Aker BP raises its oil potential forecast for the Omega Alfa well, part of the Yggdrasil project, with estimated resources reaching up to 134 million barrels of oil equivalent.
BP Restarts Whiting Refinery After Flooding: Regional Market Pressures Emerge
The gradual restart of BP’s Whiting refinery following severe flooding is driving price and logistics adjustments across several Midwestern U.S. states.
Moretti expected to chair Petrobras board with ministerial backing
Bruno Moretti, current special secretary to the presidency, is in pole position to lead Petrobras’ board of directors after Pietro Mendes’ resignation for a regulatory role.
Next Bridge Raises $6 Million to Fund Panther Project in Louisiana
Next Bridge Hydrocarbons completes a $6 million private debt raise to support its involvement in the Panther project while restructuring part of its existing debt.
Sinopec Shanghai Posts Half-Year Loss Amid Declining Petrochemical Demand
Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical reported a net loss in the first half of 2025, impacted by reduced demand for fuels and chemical products, as well as declining sales volumes.
Togolese ZIH Acquires Petrogal GB with Structured Financing from Ecobank
Zener International Holding takes over Petrogal’s assets in Guinea-Bissau, backed by a $24 million structured financing deal arranged with support from Ecobank and the West African Development Bank.
Pietro Mendes resigns from Petrobras to lead Brazilian oil agency ANP
Petrobras board chairman Pietro Mendes resigned after his appointment to lead the National Petroleum Agency, confirmed by the Senate.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

[wc_register_modal]

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: €99 for the 1styear year, then € 199/year.

SUBSCRIBE - €99