Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Storage and Sales Infrastructures for Petroleum Products in the District of Bamako

Abstract

The growing demand for petroleum products in Mali has led to an increase in the construction of service stations throughout the country. Although the primary factor may be economic, the question is whether the distribution of these facilities follows a geographical logic. The objective of the study is to explore the spatial distribution patterns of oil facilities in Bamako using exploratory spatial data analysis methods and centrographic measurements. Data was collected between January and February 2020 across the whole city of Bamako using smartphones. A total of 423 infrastructures were counted, i.e. 02 depots, 203 service stations and 218 sales outlets. Most of these infrastructures are functional. The analysis also reveals the existence of a privileged direction of spatial distribution of facilities: north-west-south-east, where there is a stronger spatial agglomeration. Diffusion is more intense in the centre and south-east, where the role of spatial proximity is important. The areas of weak presence of oil installations are mainly found in the north and south of the city where the density of the road network is low. This work is a first mapping exercise of the storage and sale infrastructures of petroleum products in the city of Bamako. The results of these analyses will allow decision-makers to have not only an overview of the distribution of these infrastructures but also to make appropriate decisions for the installation of new petroleum infrastructures in Bamako.