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El Obeid Oil Refinery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The El Obeid Oil Refinery is a critical industrial facility located in the North Kordofan state of Sudan, acting as the primary energy hub for the country's western regions. Established in the late 1990s, the refinery was engineered specifically to handle the heavy crude oil varieties extracted from the Fula fields. Its output is vital for the local economy, providing essential fuels such as diesel and kerosene that power regional transport and agriculture. A distinctive feature of this plant is its production of high-grade bitumen, which is indispensable for the construction and maintenance of Sudan's expanding road network. By refining oil closer to the source and the consumer in the west, the facility significantly reduces the logistical strain on the national supply chain. It remains a strategic asset for Sudan's industrial sovereignty and a major contributor to the economic stability of the Kordofan province.

Location: Sudan
Nearby: Bara (53 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	24	27	31	32	31	28	27	28	29	25	22
Rain mm	0	0	0	1	13	35	113	125	56	21	0	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The El Obeid Oil Refinery in Sudan is a key industrial facility that processes crude oil for local fuel and industrial use. It is vital for the energy supply of western Sudan and provides employment in the region.

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Visiting

The refinery is a closed industrial site and not open to the public. An outside view is possible from nearby roads or elevated spots, but access is restricted.

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Where to view it

The best viewpoint is along the main road passing the plant, where the facility's components can be seen from a safe distance. Elevated spots in the surrounding area, such as small hills, also offer a good overview.

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Local products

The refinery mainly produces gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products for the local market. These fuels are available at filling stations across the region, highlighting the plant's role in daily supply.

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Active season

The refinery typically operates continuously throughout the year to meet steady fuel demand. Maintenance shutdowns usually occur during lower-consumption periods, such as outside harvest seasons.

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Nearby

A visit to the refinery can be combined with exploring the city of El Obeid, which gives markets and cultural sights. The nearby agricultural areas of western Sudan are also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates

13.18000, 30.22000

Facts

Specializes in heavy oil
Important asphalt producer
Supplies Kordofan and Darfur
Built in the 1990s
The refinery in El Obeid processes heavy crude oil from the western and southern oil fields into fuels and asphalt.
Located in the Northeast African state of Sudan.
The region is shaped by the Nile and the Nubian Desert.
Climate is mostly hot and dry, with desert and Sahel zones.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

El Obeid<1 km · SEExplore →

Bara53 km · EExplore →

Jebel Dair Massif72 km · NWExplore →

Jebel Dair92 km · NWExplore →

Umm Ruwaba114 km · NExplore →

Dalanj126 km · SWExplore →

Nuba Hills Central130 km · NWExplore →

Mizdah Plateau132 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is produced at the El Obeid refinery?

It primarily processes crude oil into diesel and gasoline for regional demand.

Is the refinery accessible to the public?

No, as an industrial production site, it is subject to strict security rules and is not open to visitors.

Where exactly is this refinery located?

It is located near the city of El Obeid in the Kordofan region, in central Sudan.

Why is this location economically important?

It efficiently supplies the western and central parts of the country with fuel, reducing transport costs.

What is the infrastructure like nearby?

El Obeid is an important transport hub to which the refinery is well-connected logistically.

El Obeid Oil Refinery: where is it located?

El Obeid Oil Refinery is located in Sudan.

El Obeid Oil Refinery: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

El Obeid Oil Refinery: why is it worth visiting?

The El Obeid Oil Refinery is a critical industrial facility located in the North Kordofan state of Sudan, acting as the primary energy hub for the country's western regions.

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