Crude oil, often dubbed “black gold,” is essential to modern life, powering vehicles and producing countless products. Its scarcity and high demand make it a prized resource, with countries vying for access.
The U.S., the world’s top oil producer, uses advanced fracking technology to extract vast quantities, exporting the surplus to nations, including many in Africa, that need to meet their energy demands.
This trade reflects the complex global energy market, where U.S. oil helps address refining needs, diversify energy sources, and supplement local production.
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In 2022, African countries imported around 380,000 barrels per day of U.S. crude oil. This volume illustrates the key role U.S. oil plays in meeting Africa’s energy needs, supplementing local production, and ensuring a stable supply across the continent.
According to Wisevoter, here are the top 10 African countries with the largest crude oil import
Nigeria
Nigeria leads African nations in importing crude oil from the U.S., with an average of 125,000 barrels per day (Mbbl/d). This volume places Nigeria in the 11th position globally among countries that import U.S. crude oil. Nigeria’s reliance on U.S. oil is notable, given its own substantial oil reserves. The country’s imports are likely driven by refinery needs, blending requirements, or specific crude qualities that U.S. oil offers.
Libya
Libya ranks second among African importers of U.S. crude oil, importing 91,000 barrels per day. This figure situates Libya’s 14th globally. The country’s demand for U.S. oil may be attributed to its recovering oil sector, which has been affected by years of conflict and instability. U.S. crude oil might also serve to meet specific refining demands within Libya’s domestic market.
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Ghana
Ghana imports 51,000 barrels per day of U.S. crude oil, placing it 17th on the global scale. Ghana’s growing economy and energy sector may drive the need for diversified oil sources. The U.S. oil is likely utilized to meet domestic energy production needs or to supplement local refining capabilities.
Algeria
Algeria, a major oil and gas producer, imports 40,000 barrels per day from the U.S., ranking it 19th globally. Despite its own production, Algeria’s import of U.S. crude may be linked to refining needs that local crude oil cannot fully satisfy. This could include specific grades of crude that are better suited for Algeria’s refineries.
Read also: World’s top oil producers by barrels per day
Angola
Angola imports 36,000 barrels per day of U.S. crude oil, ranking 25th in the world. Angola’s position as a significant oil producer does not preclude it from importing specific types of crude oil. The U.S. imports may complement Angola’s refining sector or serve to diversify its crude slate.
Egypt
Egypt imports 32,000 barrels per day of U.S. crude oil, which places it 28th globally. Egypt’s refining sector is one of the largest in Africa, and the importation of U.S. crude likely supports this capacity. The imports may also help balance the different grades of crude required for Egypt’s complex refining processes.
Read also: Nigeria’s top 10 trading partners for exports
Cameroon
Cameroon imports 4,000 barrels per day from the U.S., ranking 45th globally. The country’s modest import volume might be tied to specific industrial or energy needs that domestic or regional supplies do not meet. The importation of U.S. crude oil could also indicate a strategy to diversify Cameroon’s energy sources.
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea imports 2,000 barrels per day of U.S. crude oil, ranking it 52nd globally. This small volume might be used to supplement local crude oil or fulfil specific demands within the country’s refining sector. The imports could also be related to the country’s efforts to diversify its oil supply sources.
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Liberia
Liberia imports 1,000 barrels per day from the U.S., placing it 60th globally. This minimal volume is likely utilized for niche purposes within the country’s energy sector, possibly for power generation or to meet small-scale refining needs.
Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo imports 1,000 barrels per day of U.S. crude oil, ranking 62nd globally. Like Liberia, Congo’s imports are modest and may be driven by specific energy requirements or to diversify its crude oil sources.
