Dangote, West Africa, and China Take Center Stage at London Energy Forum 2026
OIL & GAS
Valentia Energy Partners Newsroom
2/9/20261 min read
Valentia Energy Partners Newsroom — Oil & Gas
Date: 02-09-2026
Brief
The Energy Forum 2026 in London highlighted how global energy flows are being reshaped amid evolving benchmarks and shifting regional dynamics. Discussions spanned Atlantic Basin trade, refined product arbitrage, and supply chain evolution, but two narratives dominated the floor:
West Africa’s Emergence: Leadership from the Dangote Group provided a rare glimpse into how their refinery is redefining flows of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. As Africa moves from net importer to strategic exporter, the refinery is creating new trading corridors into Europe, Latin America, and Asia, forcing global traders to re-evaluate supply chains and freight strategies.
China’s Inventory Surprise: S&P Global Energy President Dave Ernsberger highlighted that China’s stock levels are higher than anticipated, signaling greater resilience in Asia’s crude demand. This, combined with West Africa’s growing supply, is poised to alter the balance of global refined products and crude flows, impacting margins, freight economics, and regional arbitrage opportunities.
For traders, producers, and portfolio managers, the forum underscored the importance of physical-market intelligence over headline narratives. With new infrastructure coming online and unconventional trade flows emerging, execution and logistics planning are becoming as critical as production volumes.
Strategic Takeaways
Trade flows: Expect West African exports to increasingly compete with Middle Eastern barrels in Europe and South America.
Freight economics: New routes from Lagos and Port Harcourt could tighten VLCC and Aframax ton-mile markets.
Risk & optionality: Surplus Chinese inventories may provide a buffer against regional shocks but also shift price signals for Asia-bound crude and refined products.
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