Congo, Republic of the - Country Commercial Guide
Petroleum
Last published date:

Overview

The Republic of the Congo is the fourth largest oil producing country in sub-Saharan Africa and at the end of 2022 produced 280,000 barrels per day.  Republic of the Congo has one oil refinery in the coastal city of Pointe-Noire, which fulfills a small percentage of the country’s domestic needs.  Chevron and Olive Energy are the only U.S. operators in the Republic of the Congo, and Baker Hughes, Frank’s International, Halliburton, and Weatherford are active in the oil services sector.  The Republic of the Congo’s also has an expanding natural gas sector with nearly 10 TcF of proven reserves as of 2021 and is mainly driven by the Italian multinational energy company Eni.   

Petroleum Market Size

 2021202220232024 estimated
Total Local Production110115185185
Total Exports98105170180
Total Imports----
Imports from the US----
Total Market Size1210155
Exchange Rates    

(Total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Units: Millions of barrels 
Source: Ministry of Hydrocarbons

Leading Sub-Sectors

Oil services remain important in both the development of new fields and the maintenance and support of older fields. 

Opportunities

Offshore drilling and exploration remain the principal activities, but some opportunities exist in onshore prospection, refining, research and development, and services (e.g., logistics, construction, drilling, maintenance, and supplies). 

Resources

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources. The Standard seeks to address the key governance issues of the oil, gas and mining sectors. In the Republic of the Congo, EITI solely focuses on oil and gas.