Madar (Niamey) - Niger has banned exports of super gasoline and diesel under an order signed on 12 October 2026 by Commerce and Industry Minister Abdoulaye Seydou, the official Niger Press Agency (ANP) announced on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
Article one of the order states that "national production of diesel and super gasoline shall supply the national market as a priority". Any surplus sold for export by state fuel company SONIDEP and the Zinder refinery SORAZ will require a special authorisation from the trade minister, the agency said.
Officials of the commerce ministry, customs officers and the defence and security forces are empowered to record and punish violations under existing law. The secretaries-general of the ministries of commerce, petroleum, economy and finance, interior and defence are tasked with implementing the order, which is to be published in the official gazette.
According to ANP, the measure comes amid disruptions in fuel supplies affecting filling stations in the capital.
Madar reported in February 2024 that Niger had signed a memorandum of understanding with Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad to export fuel to them. Niger has refined about 20,000 barrels a day at Zinder since 2011, according to figures Madar published at the time.
