Building Market Share in 2025, Positioning for Sustainable Growth in 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the African bunkering landscape continues to reflect both opportunity and complexity. Shifting trade patterns, regional demand fluctuations, and the evolving regulatory environment have shaped a year defined by adaptability. Across West Africa (WAF) and Port Louis (PL), Bunker One Africa has strengthened its market position while laying the groundwork for future growth.

“2025 was a year that rewarded adaptability. By staying close to our customers and markets, we were able to grow volumes and strengthen our position across both West Africa and Port Louis.”

• Peter Fynsk, Managing Director, Bunker One Africa

Year Recap: Performance in 2025

Volume Development: Market Share Gains Across Key Hubs

In 2025, Bunker One Africa recorded a positive development in volumes compared to 2024, driven by clear market share gains in both West Africa and Port Louis. Among the two regions, Port Louis stood out, delivering a significant increase across all three fuel grades. This strong performance underlines the team’s competitive positioning and ability to capture demand as trading patterns and vessel flows evolved.

West Africa also contributed positively, supporting overall volume growth and reinforcing Bunker One Africa’s role as a reliable supplier across key regional locations.

Market Dynamics: A Year of Two Halves

2025 highlighted how differently regional markets can evolve within the same year. In West Africa, the year began with strong momentum before activity moderated during the summer months, placing greater emphasis on disciplined execution and operational alignment as market conditions shifted.

Port Louis experienced the reverse pattern. Following a quieter start, demand improved in the second half of the year, bringing renewed activity and reinforcing the importance of agility and regional balance in navigating changing market environments.

Outlook for 2026

Alternative Fuels: Ready, but Demand Expected to Remain Limited

Bunker One Africa is fully prepared to supply biofuels across the region, supported by established infrastructure and a dependable supply chain. Despite this readiness, demand for alternative fuels in 2026 is expected to remain limited.

Two key factors are shaping this outlook. First, the absence of local regulatory drivers reduces near-term incentives for adoption. Second, the postponement of the formal implementation of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework has eased immediate compliance pressure, further dampening regional demand for alternative fuels in the short term.

While uptake may be slow, Bunker One Africa remains strategically positioned to respond as regulatory clarity and customer requirements evolve.

Growth Opportunities: Strengthening the Local Footprint

Looking ahead to 2026, growth opportunities are closely tied to maintaining and expanding a strong physical presence in key local markets. Bunker One Africa’s focus is on ensuring commercial and operational teams are increasingly present on the ground.

This approach enables direct engagement with local stakeholders, stronger relationship building, and firsthand insight into how regional operations and facilities function within core industry sectors. By deepening existing partnerships while actively pursuing new business opportunities, the team aims to translate local knowledge into sustainable growth.

Positioning for the Year Ahead

2025 reinforced the importance of adaptability, regional insight, and operational presence. As 2026 approaches, Bunker One Africa enters the new year with strengthened market share, proven resilience across diverse regions, and a clear strategy focused on proximity to customers and long-term value creation.

The path forward is built on being present, prepared, and proactive — ready to support customers in a market that continues to evolve.