Petroleum industry in the Republic of the Congo

In the late 1970s, Congo emerged as a significant oil producer, with production expanding considerably during the 1990s. However, by the turn of the century, production began to decline as existing oil fields reached maturity, in 2001. However, since 2008 oil production has increased every year as a result of several new projects coming online, mainly Congo’s first deep-water field Moho-Bilondo. The Congo is the fifth largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the 2012 BP Statistical Energy Survey, Congo had proved oil reserves of 1.94 billion barrels at the end of 2011, equivalent to 17.9 years of current production and 0.11% of the world's reserves. The accompanying downstream oil industry is an important element in the country's economy. The oil industry is predominantly run by foreign companies and is centred on the coastal city of Pointe-Noire where the Congolaise de Raffinage (Coraf) operates the 21,000 bpd Pointe Noire refinery. The refinery has been out of commission for four years and has only recently started operating again.

• Integrated, global-focused Nigerian energy conglomerate founded in February 2008

• Total production 25,000 barrels (4,000 m³) of oil per day As of April 2012
  • Emeraude Field: Perenco acquired the Emeraude field in 2001. steam injection into the wells commenced in 2010.
  • Yombo Field: Perenco has operated the Conkouati FPSO offshore on behalf of Marnie 1 since 2001. Production level is 100,000 barrels (16,000 m³) of oil per day
  • Likoula Field: Perenco took over the operation of the Likouala Flied in 2010. The Likouala oil field is located 20 km south of the Emeraude Field. Production 8,000 barrels (1,300 m³) of oil per day
  • Marine IV: Perenco acquired the exploration permit in December 2004. Seismic interpretations have shown promising indications of oil structures.

• Djeno Terminal: Operated by Total, the terminal can accommodate Very Large Crude Carrier Loading. Current production is around 25 thousand barrels a day.[3] LOCODE CGDJE Channel Depth 23.2, tide 8m.
• Moho-Bilondo: Production in 2010 equals 90,000 barrels per day. Operated from a floating production unit 34 meters wide and 12.5 metes high. Located 80 km offshore from the Republic of Congo. Came online in 2008. Project partners: Total 53.5%, Chevron 31.5%, SNPC 15%

Eni recently announced that it will launch a pilot Oiuls project in 2012. In 2008, Eni and the Congolese Government signed a deal to explore and develop the oil sands deposit located in Tchikiatanga, with an estimated development cost of $3b. In 2008, Eni began constructing two gas-powered electric power stations. 300 mW power station, Centrale Electrique du Congo, powered from the M'Boundo deposit. Eni currently operates the Nene Marine field located in the Marine XVII block offshore Congo. [4]

Block: Marine XI Location: North Congo Basin, offshore Congo (Brazzaville). The Marine XI Block is situated adjacent to the coast in shallow waters with depths ranging up to 110 metres and covering approximately 1,400 square kilometres. Operational phase: Exploration/appraisal SOCO interest: 40.39% (SOCO EPC – Operator) Project partners: World Natural Resources (23.00%), Africa Oil & Gas (13.11%), Petrovietnam (8.50%), SNPC (15%)

Dalbit Petroleum supplies its petroleum products in Eastern DRC through a partnership with Congo Petrol SPRL and directly supplies its products in North Eastern DRC.[5] Dalbit Petroleum supplies remote regions including Kibali, Twagiza and Namoya. In partnership with Congo Petrol SPRL Dalbit Petroleum has provided shelters at Lubumbashi International Airport.[6]

Congo holds the fifth-largest proved reserves of natural gas in the Sub-Saharan Africa, at 3.2 Tcf, A majority of natural gas around 65% is reinjected and 21% flared.[7]