Oil production in Niger, which is operated by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), began in 2011 on the Agadem block in the east, about a hundred kilometres from the Chad border.
When did Niger start producing oil?
The beginning of oil production in Niger in 2011 was accompanied by the construction of a refinery near Zinder (Société de raffinage de Zinder, commonly known as Soraz). The total petroleum refining capacity is 20,000 barrels per day.
Are there any oil companies in Niger?
There are two other oil companies which also operate on other blocks in Niger: the Sonatrach Group (SIPEX) and Savannah Energy. Both of them, in the active exploration phase, have made significant discoveries over the last three years – SIPEX on the Kafra block (on the Algerian border) and Savannah on R3 (acquired from CNPC).
Does CNPC own oil in Niger?
CNPC holds the Agadem, Tenere and Bilma blocks. Sonatrach holds the Kafra block, while UK-based Savannah Energy holds two more blocks. As of December 2023, CNPC is only company producing oil in Niger.