The Republic of Niger has banned the export of petrol and diesel in a move aimed at protecting domestic fuel supplies amid growing concerns over disruptions in the global petroleum market.
The directive was issued by Niger’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Abdoulaye Seydou, through a ministerial order, according to a report published on the government’s official Facebook account on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Under the new directive, domestically produced petrol and diesel must first meet local demand before any surplus can be considered for export.
However, the government has created an exception for the country’s state owned petroleum company, SONIDEP, and the Zinder refinery operator, SORAZ, allowing them to export surplus products with special approval from the minister responsible for trade.
“The export of diesel and premium petrol from Niger is hereby prohibited,” Article 1 of the ministerial order stated.
SONIDEP is responsible for purchasing, storing, distributing and marketing petroleum products in Niger, while SORAZ operates the country’s Zinder refinery, which has a processing capacity of about 20,000 barrels per day.
The order also authorises officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, customs authorities and security agencies to monitor compliance and enforce penalties under existing laws.
The restriction comes amid reported fuel supply disruptions affecting filling stations in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
Global fuel concerns prompt export restrictions
Niger’s decision comes as governments respond to uncertainty in global energy markets linked to the conflict involving Iran and wider concerns about petroleum supply disruptions.
According to the report, Brent crude oil briefly reached $110 per barrel on Friday, October 16, its highest level since May, amid concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Other countries, including China, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, have also introduced varying restrictions on refined petroleum exports during 2026 as they seek to protect domestic supplies.
Russia, however, partially lifted its diesel export restrictions in October following an agreement with US President Donald Trump to supply additional diesel to American and international markets. The reported arrangement involved more than 4.8 million tonnes of diesel to be supplied in phases.
What the ban means for Nigeria
Niger shares a border with Nigeria, making the policy relevant to regional petroleum trade. However, the immediate impact on Nigeria’s fuel supply will depend on existing trade flows and how much petroleum Niger would otherwise have exported to neighbouring countries.
Nigeria has increased its focus on domestic refining, particularly since the Dangote Petroleum Refinery began operations. Despite this, disputes over petroleum import licences continue to shape the country’s downstream oil sector.
On September 28, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to continue granting petroleum import licences to Matrix Energy, AA Rano and AYM Shafa.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE subsequently approached the Court of Appeal, seeking permission to challenge the ruling. A motion filed on October 6 sought to contest the directive requiring the regulator to continue issuing import licences to the three oil marketers.
Niger’s export ban adds another development to a global fuel market already facing uncertainty, as governments weigh domestic supply needs against international trade.
