Africazine:
Angola’s heavy reliance on fuel imports underscores significant economic challenges.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Angola spent approximately USD 854 million on importing liquid fuels. This expenditure highlights the country’s dependence on foreign petroleum products to satisfy domestic energy demands.
Angola’s Fuel Import Expenditure Revealed
Angolan authorities disclosed that the majority of fuel supplied in the country comes from imports. The data from the Instituto Regulador dos Derivados do Petróleo (IRDP) indicates that local refining capabilities are limited, necessitating this reliance on external sources.
During the fourth quarter, the total volume of liquid fuels acquired was significantly bolstered by imports. Only a minor portion was sourced from domestic facilities, including the Luanda Refinery and Cabinda’s Cabgoc – Topping facility.
Angola: Key figures on fuel imports
- USD 854 million spent on liquid fuel imports in Q4 2025
- Nearly 4.7 million metric tonnes of petroleum products purchased in 2025
Infrastructure Investments and Their Impact
Investments in infrastructure, such as the new Terminal Oceânico da Barra do Dande (TOBD), have improved logistical capacity for fuel imports. However, these enhancements have not yet significantly reduced Angola’s dependency on imported fuels.
The ongoing high costs associated with fuel imports continue to exert fiscal and economic pressures on the country. Angola is actively working to expand local refining output to mitigate foreign exchange outflows linked to energy procurement.
Future Steps for Angola’s Energy Sector
- Expand local refining output
- Reduce foreign exchange outflows related to energy procurement
Angola’s reliance on fuel imports highlights critical economic challenges ahead.
