Africa faces uncertainty as global oil prices rise following Iran conflict
April 7, 2026 • Al Jazeera
African nations face an energy shortage due to disruptions in oil and gas supplies from the Middle East. The conflict in Iran has resulted in a significant impact on global energy markets. As a result, several African countries are experiencing shortages.
Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia have reported supply chain disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, is currently closed due to the conflict. This has led to an accumulation of oil tankers near the strait, further exacerbating the shortage.
Nigeria’s largest oil refinery is operating at maximum capacity, but this still falls short of meeting Africa’s energy demands. The continent’s energy infrastructure has also suffered from years of underinvestment, which has contributed to the current crisis.
In response to the shortages, governments are exploring various options to mitigate the impact. However, no definitive solutions have been identified yet. The situation remains fluid as the conflict in Iran continues to affect global energy markets.
Source: Al Jazeera