Plizio Visual Lab

Indeni Petroleum Refinery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Indeni Petroleum Refinery in Ndola commenced operations in 1973 and serves as a cornerstone of Zambia's energy infrastructure. It was established as a joint venture between the Zambian government and the Italian firm Agip (now Eni) to provide the nation with a steady supply of refined petroleum products. The refinery is connected to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania via the 1,710-kilometer TAZAMA pipeline, which transports feedstock directly to the facility. As the only refinery in the country, it plays a vital role in producing gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel for the domestic market. Throughout its history, the plant has undergone various maintenance cycles and ownership restructurings to address evolving economic conditions. Its strategic location in the Copperbelt province ensures that the vital mining industry receives a consistent supply of industrial fuels. Recent governmental policy shifts have focused on transforming the refinery into a specialized logistics and blending facility to enhance efficiency.

Location: Zambia
Nearby: Ndola (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	21	21	20	18	17	17	20	23	26	25	22
Rain mm	291	198	138	30	3	1	0	1	1	11	95	268

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This is Zambia's only petroleum refinery, processing crude oil into fuels for the national market. It is crucial for the country's energy security and supplies petrol, diesel, and kerosene.

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Visiting

The refinery is a high-security area and closed to the public. The exterior can be glimpsed from the Ndola-Lusaka highway.

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Where to view it

The best public viewpoint is from the Ndola-Kitwe road, where the refinery's towers and storage tanks are visible in the distance. The site is in Ndola.

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Local products

The refinery produces petroleum products like petrol and diesel. Fuel stations across Zambia sell these products, but direct sales are not available at the plant.

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Active season

Operations run continuously, with peak activity tied to import schedules for crude oil. The refinery is busiest when fuel demand is high, such as during harvest or holiday travel.

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Nearby

Combine with the Copperbelt Museum or the Buntungwa Forest Reserve. Ndola also has markets and accommodation for visitors.