Sudan faces fuel supply risks as U.S.-Iran conflict escalates
March 4, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The conflict between the United States and Iran, marked by Tehran’s strikes on Gulf energy facilities, has triggered fears of fuel shortages in Sudan due to the country’s heavy reliance on imports.
Economic experts and former energy officials warned of severe disruption if vital maritime corridors, including the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, are closed. The warnings come despite government assurances that current oil supplies are sufficient.
Sudan’s Ministry of Energy said on Wednesday that petroleum stocks would cover domestic demand until April, adding that distribution to fuel stations remains uninterrupted.
However, Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim predicted “negative and harsh” consequences for the economy. Speaking in Port Sudan, he said global spikes in gold and oil prices would hit the domestic market directly and warned of supply chain disruptions.
“The government is banking on a gradual recovery, but we face significant challenges as supplies passing through the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab remain at risk,” Ibrahim said.
Supply chain vulnerabilities
Experts say Sudan is particularly vulnerable because it imports much of its fuel from the Arabian Gulf, where facilities have faced attacks since Saturday.
Former Energy Minister Adel Ali Ibrahim told Sudan Tribune that war and internal corruption have hollowed out the country’s distribution sector. He warned that closing the Strait of Hormuz — through which 20% of global oil flows — would spike prices and cut off Sudan’s primary supply lines.
He suggested that while diverting trade to the Red Sea is a theoretical option, Sudan’s ports currently lack the capacity and creditworthiness to handle the shift. He proposed using the Saudi pipeline to Yanbu or Omani ports as alternatives, provided the process is managed transparently.
Impact on agriculture
The crisis is expected to extend beyond the fuel pump. Economist Abdel Azim al-Mahal noted that gas prices have already jumped by more than 50%, a trend likely to be worsened by domestic speculation.
He warned that the rising cost of urea, fertilizers, and pesticides threatens the upcoming summer agricultural season. However, al-Mahal noted that Port Sudan could see a boost in activity if regional trade routes shift to the Red Sea, provided infrastructure is upgraded.
Strategic risks
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Saad al-Bishri said Sudan’s proximity to Saudi Arabia offers a potential lifeline. He suggested Riyadh might prioritize Sudan for supplies if bilateral agreements are reached for Red Sea deliveries.
However, al-Bishri cautioned that Port Sudan is “technically and logistically unprepared” to serve as a regional refining or trade hub. He highlighted a critical lack of storage capacity as the most dangerous challenge.
“Even if additional crude is available, we lack the tanks to store it,” he said, noting that building strategic reserves would take months of investment.
Data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) indicates Sudan requires about 45,000 barrels of diesel per day. Government figures show the country imports up to 840,000 tonnes of diesel annually, primarily from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.