- Vitol will invest $130 million through Vivo Energy to expand fuel storage in Durban.
- The project aims to double the capacity to 500,000 m³ and strengthen national fuel reserves.
- The new infrastructure could add an additional 20-25 days of supply in the event of a disruption.
Vitol's South African subsidiary Vivo Energy plans to invest $130 million to expand fuel storage capacity in Durban, as the group strengthens its role in the country's energy supply chain.
Chief Executive Officer George Roberts announced the investment during the South African Investment Conference on 14 April.
Our EVP South and CEO Engen, George Roberts, attended the South African Investment Conference to engage on the country's investment trajectory and introduce our Durban Hub – a R2bn investment to enhance energy security and drive local value.#SAIC #vivoenergy #engen #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/XoRv0O3VIe
– Vivo Energy (@VivoEnergy) 9 April 2026
The company will use the funds to convert former refining tanks into storage facilities. The upgraded infrastructure will handle a range of petroleum products including diesel, gasoline and jet fuel at one of South Africa's major port hubs.
Additionally, Vivo Energy aims to double its existing storage capacity to a total of 500,000 cubic metres. The company expects to commission the new capacity between the third quarter of 2026 and 2027. Roberts said the extension would “increase stock levels in the country”, allowing South Africa to build up reserves equivalent to an additional 20 to 25 days' supply in case of disruption.
The project will also include the rehabilitation of the petroleum products reception terminal located at Island View, a major logistics area of Durban.
One player is strengthening its logistics footprint in Africa
Vitol has taken full control of Vivo Energy from 2022. The company operates more than 4,000 service stations across Africa. It markets the Shell brand outside South Africa and the Engen brand in the South African market.
The Group continues to expand its warehousing and distribution infrastructure across the continent. It has invested in fuel depots in Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique, while it is also developing projects in Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Morocco.
Durban plays a central role in this strategy. Bloomberg reported on April 14 that the Island View area serves as one of the country's major petrochemical hubs. Vivo Energy and Vitol are increasing investment in the region, where related energy infrastructure, including gas projects, is also under development.
This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Bouraima
Adapted into English by Ange JA de Berry Quenam