Cameroon imported nearly 1.8 million tons of refined petroleum products between January and October 2025, underscoring the growing financial strain caused by the prolonged shutdown of the country’s only refinery, Sonara. The figures were disclosed by the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, during the 2025 budget presentation before the National Assembly’s Finance Committee.
Of the total imports, around 1.6 million tons consisted of super, gasoil, and kerosene, while 208,210 tons were domestic gas purchases. These large-volume imports have cost the state several billions of CFA francs, putting further pressure on Cameroon’s foreign exchange reserves and widening its trade deficit.
The situation has intensified renewed calls for the rehabilitation of Sonara, which has remained out of operation since the devastating fire in May 2019. Despite repeated expressions of interest from potential investors, the refinery’s overhaul has stalled for six years, forcing the country to rely entirely on imported petroleum products.
Government assessments initially placed the cost of rebuilding the refinery at CFA250 billion, but a detailed feasibility study has now revised the estimate upward to CFA300 billion, raising fresh concerns about timelines and funding.
As Cameroon heads into 2026, the continued delay in reviving Sonara remains a critical economic vulnerability, deepening the country’s dependence on external supply and draining scarce foreign exchange resources.
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