Cameroon’s Kribi oil refinery is on track to start partial operations in the second half of 2026, nearly two years ahead of the original June 2028 schedule, according to local media.

The initial phase is expected to process 10,000 barrels per day (bpd), roughly one-third of its final 30,000 bpd capacity, meeting about 22% of national diesel and gasoline demand.

Backed by Cstar Petroleum, SNH, Tradex SA, and Ariana Energy, the project is projected to reduce fuel imports by nearly one-third, easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and supporting a more stable domestic fuel supply.

Preparatory works, including a base camp, are already underway, while full-scale construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Executed through the Dubai-based SPV CSTAR Refinery Project Management LLC-FZ, the facility is designed to produce 30,000 barrels per day, or roughly 1.5 million tons annually, with a total investment of $622 million.

According to Energy Capital Power, the complex will include a fuel storage terminal with a capacity of 250,000–300,000 cubic metres, capable of handling diesel, gasoline, Jet A1, kerosene, and heavy fuel oil.

A consortium including RCG Turnkey Solutions, Global Process Systems, and China’s Norinco International is reportedly managing construction, while BGFI Cameroon is tasked with raising roughly $215 million for the project.

Once operational, the refinery is expected to generate $250 million annually from marine and petrochemical exports, save roughly $680 million annually on fuel imports and create over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, while transferring technical skills to the local workforce.

Source: Africabusinessinsider