Niger now requires special authorization from its commerce minister to export super-grade gasoline and diesel, under an October 12 order giving priority to the domestic market, state news agency ANP reported on October 17. The restriction covers sales by oil refiner SORAZ and state fuel distributor SONIDEP.
Analysis: Refined fuel's share of Niger's goods exports had already dropped to 3.6% in 2025 from 12.1% in 2024, figures from statistics agency INS show. That corresponds to about 44bn FCFA (€67.8mn), roughly half the previous year's value, by our calculation. Importers in Mali and Burkina Faso could be especially affected because fuel drove a first-quarter increase in Niger's exports to both markets. The order came six days before news agency AFP reported on October 18 that fuel shortages had spread to Niamey. INS's third-quarter trade report, due November 27, should establish fuel shipments before the restrictions. The new permit requirement adds uncertainty for contracted export deliveries and cross-border traders, particularly where customers had relied on regular shipments.
Source: Institut National de la Statistique (INS) du Niger, INS Niger, Bulletin des statistiques du commerce extérieur provisoire 2025 (N°01, mars 2026), 2025 and 2024; Institut National de la Statistique (INS) du Niger, INS Niger, Bulletin des statistiques du commerce extérieur du 1er trimestre 2026 (N°02, mai 2026), Q1 2026