Niger to supply Mali with Diesel

In a sign of close cooperation between sanction-hit and military-run Sahel countries, Niger has agreed to supply Mali with cheap diesel to supply power plants.

Under the deal, Niger would deliver 150 million liters of diesel to neighboring Mali to curb power outages, the Malian presidency said.

Only half the Malian population have access to electricity amid growing indebtedness of local electricity utility Energie du Mali (EDM SA).

“This fuel will be destined for EDM-SA to supply the country’s various power stations,” said the statement.

Niger also plans to supply neighboring Burkina Faso, another military-run country, and Chad with diesel.

Niger plans to increase its oil output from 20,000 barrels per day to 100,000 barrels thanks to a Chinese-built pipeline that will help it export through Benin.