en.Wedoany.com Reported - Vivo Energy, a subsidiary of the global energy trader Vitol, announced an investment of approximately $130 million to expand the fuel storage facilities at the Port of Durban in South Africa. The project plans to add 125,000 cubic meters of storage capacity, increasing the total storage capacity in the Durban area to 500,000 cubic meters. It is expected to be commissioned in phases from the third quarter of 2026 to the third quarter of 2027.

George Roberts, CEO of Engen, Vivo Energy's local subsidiary in South Africa, stated that this investment plan was formulated before the U.S.-Israel-Iran situation disrupted the global energy market and obstructed transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. The additional storage capacity will serve as a buffer to help South Africa cope with potential future supply shocks.

Roberts told Reuters, "This will allow you to increase inventory levels domestically. So, if a similar situation occurs again, we have more time to source products from elsewhere to ship to South Africa, as it typically takes an average of 20 to 25 days to get products to South Africa, depending on the origin."

Vivo Energy is a major fuel retailer in Africa, operating over 4,000 gas stations across the continent, selling Shell (except in South Africa) and Engen branded products.

The additional storage capacity will be achieved by retrofitting storage tanks at the old Durban refinery and upgrading the Island View receiving facilities. The terminal will store various products including diesel, gasoline, and aviation fuel.

Roberts revealed that Vivo Energy is simultaneously investing in liquefied petroleum gas and refined product storage facilities in Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Morocco. "Besides Uganda, we have also invested in warehousing assets in Tanzania and Mozambique in recent years. If suitable opportunities arise in these countries, we can invest more."

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