Chad’s National Petroleum Storage Company, Société Tchadienne de Dépôt Pétrolier, is seeking to strengthen its fuel storage infrastructure by drawing on the expertise of Cameroon’s state owned storage operator, Société Camerounaise des Dépôts Pétroliers, as part of a broader effort to secure supply chains and enhance energy resilience.
On February 24, a senior delegation from STDP visited SCDP’s headquarters in Cameroon to explore what both parties described as a sustainable strategic partnership. The talks come as Chad prepares to commission its first fuel storage depots in Djamalaye, located about 30 kilometers from the capital, N’Djamena. The new facilities are expected to play a critical role in stabilising domestic fuel availability in a country that relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products.
Established in 2018, STDP was created to develop and manage Chad’s strategic fuel reserves and reduce vulnerabilities linked to supply disruptions. As a landlocked country, Chad faces significant logistical challenges in securing petroleum products, which are transported over long distances from coastal supply points. This geographical constraint has often exposed the country to price volatility, delays and shortages linked to regional transport bottlenecks.
Cameroon’s SCDP, by contrast, has decades of operational experience in managing petroleum storage depots and ensuring fuel distribution across its territory. With facilities strategically located in major cities and port areas, SCDP plays a central role in maintaining national energy security. Its technical capacity in areas such as depot management, safety standards and operational efficiency has made it a reference point in the region.
SCDP Director General Véronique Moampea Mbio said the Cameroonian company is ready to support Chad’s expansion plans. “We have know how that will be beneficial to STDP,” she stated, emphasising the importance of knowledge transfer and technical cooperation between the two state owned entities.
Discussions during the visit focused on operational standards, safety systems and best practices in fuel depot management. These areas are critical for ensuring not only the physical integrity of storage infrastructure but also environmental compliance and worker safety. Properly managed storage depots reduce the risks of leaks, fires and contamination while improving supply reliability.
For Chad, the commissioning of the Djamalaye depots represents a significant step toward building a more structured and resilient downstream petroleum sector. The project is expected to enhance storage capacity, allow for better stock management and create buffers against external supply shocks. By increasing domestic storage, authorities aim to mitigate the impact of transport disruptions or sudden spikes in international oil prices.
The partnership discussions also reflect broader regional dynamics in Central Africa, where countries are increasingly collaborating to strengthen energy infrastructure. Cross border cooperation can help harmonise standards, improve logistics coordination and reduce duplication of investment. In a region where infrastructure gaps remain significant, technical partnerships between neighbouring states can accelerate capacity building.
Energy analysts note that strategic fuel storage is particularly important for landlocked economies like Chad. Without sufficient reserves, countries may struggle to cushion domestic markets against supply interruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, port congestion or infrastructure failures in transit countries. Enhanced storage capacity therefore contributes not only to economic stability but also to national security.
Cameroon’s role as a transit corridor for petroleum products destined for Chad further underscores the logic of the partnership. Improved coordination between SCDP and STDP could streamline cross border flows, strengthen information sharing and align safety and operational procedures.
As STDP prepares to bring its first depots online, collaboration with SCDP is expected to continue through technical exchanges and advisory support. If successfully implemented, the partnership could serve as a model for regional energy cooperation, reinforcing supply chains and contributing to greater stability in Central Africa’s fuel markets.
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