More than two years of sustained violence have pushed Sudan’s energy sector to the brink, as oil extraction and fuel processing grind to a halt. The conflict has severely damaged critical infrastructure, cutting off domestic energy supplies and placing heavy pressure on an economy already weakened by war.
With production facilities shut down and refineries offline, access to fuel has become increasingly difficult for both the state and the general population.
Oil Production Paralyzed by Insecurity
The escalation of fighting has forced the closure of key oil-producing areas, including the country’s largest oil field, where operations were fully suspended late last year and personnel evacuated for safety reasons. Continued attacks have also affected pipelines, storage sites, and export facilities, disrupting the entire supply chain from extraction to distribution.
Damage to fuel depots in coastal areas has further reduced Sudan’s ability to store and move petroleum products, compounding the effects of production losses.
Refinery Shutdowns and Import Dependence
Sudan’s main refinery near the capital, which once met most domestic demand for diesel, petrol, and cooking gas, remains completely inactive. Its prolonged shutdown has left the country heavily dependent on imported fuel at a time when transport routes and regional supply networks are unreliable.
As imports become more expensive and harder to secure, shortages have intensified, affecting transportation, electricity generation, and basic household energy use.
Economic Fallout and Social Impact
The collapse of the energy sector has dealt a major blow to public finances. Government data shows that oil-related income has dropped by more than half compared to levels before the conflict, depriving the state of a critical revenue stream.
Experts warn that without restored security and infrastructure repairs, fuel scarcity will continue to worsen. For ordinary Sudanese, the energy crisis translates into higher living costs, limited mobility, and growing difficulty accessing essential services, highlighting how the conflict is eroding not only stability but the foundations of daily life.
