Global commodity trader Vitol is investing $130 million to expand fuel storage capacity in Durban, South Africa’s largest port city, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s resilience to supply disruptions. The investment, announced on April 14, 2026, will be executed through its subsidiary Vivo Energy, as reported by Reuters.
The project will add approximately 125,000 cubic metres of storage, increasing total capacity in Durban to about 500,000 cubic metres. The new infrastructure, expected to come online between the third quarter of 2026 and 2027, will store refined products including diesel, petrol, and jet fuel, enhancing supply flexibility in an import-dependent market.
Company officials said the expansion is designed to act as a buffer against future global supply shocks, particularly those linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. “This will allow you to increase stock levels… and give more time to source supply elsewhere,” said George Roberts, CEO of Vivo Energy’s South African unit Engen, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to disruptions that can take up to 25 days to offset through imports.
The investment reflects a broader shift toward strengthening energy infrastructure across Africa, where limited storage capacity has historically amplified supply risks. By expanding strategic reserves in Durban, Vitol is positioning South Africa to better manage volatility in global fuel markets while reinforcing the country’s role as a key energy hub in the region.
