The country's first LNG fuel station, inaugurated in Pointe-Noire in September 2026, offers LNG at CFAF 452 per kilogram, marking an initial step toward expanding domestic gas consumption beyond power generation and industrial use.

The development highlights opportunities for downstream gas monetization that will be explored at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2027, taking place June 1–3 in Brazzaville. Organized by Energy Capital & Power in collaboration with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the forum will connect investors, operators and policymakers to examine opportunities across gas infrastructure, domestic energy markets and downstream development.

Price Advantage Supports LNG Transport Economics

Owned by Société Sino-Congolaise d'Investissement (SCI), a subsidiary of Chinese group Southerpec, the 6,560-square-meter station is located near the Port of Pointe-Noire and was constructed by Weiye Petroleum Service Engineering. The station opened five months after SCI obtained its license to distribute and commercialize petroleum products. It can refuel 14 vehicles simultaneously, with LNG refueling times of four minutes or less and holds 46 tons of LNG fuel storage alongside 96 tons of diesel and 28 tons of gasoline capacity.

“Congo is a gas-producing country and our ambition is to diversify gas use and increase the value created within our borders. The development of LNG as a fuel is part of this strategy and opens up a new pathway for heavy-duty transport,” Hydrocarbons Minister Stev Simplice Onanga told local media.

Domestic Use Creates New Investment Opportunities

Congo has exported LNG since 2024 through Eni's Congo LNG project, which reached three million tons per year of liquefaction capacity in 2026. However, domestic use of LNG as a transport fuel remains limited. The Pointe-Noire station introduces a potential market for LNG-powered trucks and commercial vehicles, particularly those operating around the country's main commercial port.

The initiative also comes as Congo works to strengthen its domestic fuel supply chain. Recent gasoline and diesel shortages have highlighted vulnerabilities in the country's refining and distribution infrastructure, reinforcing the importance of diversifying domestic energy supply.

Brazzaville suffered two major fuel shortages in May and August 2026, both traced to breakdowns in the supply chain moving diesel and gasoline from CORAF's refinery to pumps in the capital. The LNG fuel station signals a step towards diversifying the value chain, creating fuel alternatives for the country’s transport industry.

Scaling LNG Distribution Beyond Pointe-Noire

While the new facility establishes an initial market for LNG-powered transport, its commercial potential will depend on reliable gas supply, competitive pricing and sufficient demand from fleet operators.

With only one station currently operating, wider adoption would require additional infrastructure along major transport corridors and in industrial centers. Transport companies would also need to assess whether fuel savings justify investment in LNG-compatible vehicles.

For investors and service providers, the development creates potential opportunities across LNG distribution, storage, transport infrastructure and vehicle conversion. These opportunities will form part of the broader discussions on domestic gas monetization and downstream investment at CEIF 2027.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power in collaboration with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, CEIF 2027 will enable candid dialogue, facilitating new investments and deals in the country’s energy sector. For more information, visit www.congoenergyinvestment.com.