Oil Product Pipeline to Congo: Russia Launches a Unique Infrastructure Project for Africa
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak completed his working visit to Brazzaville. Following talks with the leadership of the Republic of Congo, it was announced that the Pointe-Noire-Lutete-Maluko-Trecho oil product pipeline project is fully ready for implementation.
The pipeline, over 1,300 km long, will connect the southern port with the northern regions, ensuring the delivery of gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel deep into the country. On the Russian side, the project is being implemented by Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey (a company with 65 years of experience, spanning from the Turkish Stream to the Yamal-Europe pipeline). Financing has been structured, the sites have been allocated, and construction can begin soon.
The project compares favorably with other African pipeline initiatives. While neighboring countries are building crude oil pipelines (for example, Tanzania-Uganda or Niger-Benin), the Russian-Congolese project is focused on finished petroleum products. This is crucial for Congo: fuel consumption has tripled in ten years, from 250,000 to 800,000 tons per year, while internal regions suffer from shortages and expensive road transport logistics.
Under an intergovernmental agreement already approved by the Russian government, a joint venture (90% owned by the Russian side and 10% by the state-owned company SNPC) is being established. It will build and manage the pipeline under a "Build-Own-Operate-Transfer" concession for a minimum of 25 years. Upon completion of the concession, all facilities will be transferred to Congo. The Congolese side, in turn, guarantees capacity, tax breaks, and land.
Russia's responsibilities will include project management, construction, financing, equipment and personnel supply, and the organization of additional oil product deliveries from Russia for pipe loading.
The route could eventually be extended to Gabon and Cameroon, which would then expand the project beyond bilateral cooperation and become a driver for the entire Central African region.
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