Cameroon’s Kribi oil refinery is expected to begin partial operations in the second half of 2026, almost two years ahead of schedule. The first phase will process 10,000 barrels per day, about one third of its planned 30,000 bpd capacity, meeting roughly 22 percent of national fuel demand. The project is backed by Cstar Petroleum, SNH, Tradex SA, and Ariana Energy, with preparatory works already underway and full construction set for January 2026.
The refinery is designed to reduce Cameroon’s fuel imports by nearly one third, easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves after imports surged following the 2019 fire at the Sonara refinery. Located near the Kribi deep water port, the $622 million facility will include large scale fuel storage and export infrastructure.
Once operational, Kribi is expected to save about $680 million annually on imports, generate export revenues, create over 7,000 jobs, and strengthen Cameroon’s energy security and regional market position.
