Cameroon’s New Refinery Set to Begin Fuel Production in December 2026
Cameroon is expected to commence fuel production from its new Mboro Refinery in December 2026, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
The refinery, located near Kribi in southern Cameroon, will initially operate at a processing capacity of 10,000 barrels per day.
According to Cameroon’s state-owned oil company, SNH, the first phase of the project is projected to meet about 22% of the nation’s domestic demand for gasoline and diesel once operations begin. The development is expected to improve fuel availability across the country and help address supply shortages.
Construction of the refinery is scheduled to begin in June 2026, while procurement and fabrication of key equipment will continue through September. The facility forms part of a larger 30,000-barrel-per-day refining project that is expected to reach full operational capacity by 2027.
The project comes as Cameroon seeks to expand its refining capabilities following the 2019 fire that severely damaged the country’s main refinery, Sonara. Authorities believe the new Mboro Refinery will play a crucial role in reducing fuel imports, boosting domestic production, and strengthening the country’s position in the regional petroleum products market.
The $520 million project is being financed through a combination of shareholder investments and debt funding. Ownership is shared between SNH, state petroleum marketer Tradex, and Dubai-based Ariana Energy. In addition to the refinery, a 250,000-barrel fuel storage terminal will be constructed to support future distribution and storage needs.
Once completed, the refinery is expected to significantly enhance Cameroon’s energy independence while contributing to a more stable fuel supply for consumers and businesses across the country.
