Petrol Imports Reach 1.3 Billion Litres Despite Domestic Production

Nigeria imported around 1.31 billion litres of petrol in December 2025, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

During the same month, the Dangote refinery supplied 992 million litres, marking a notable increase in domestic refining output compared with November. Total petrol supply in December averaged 74.2 million litres per day, with imports contributing 42.2 million litres and Dangote supplying 32 million litres daily.

This represents a shift from November, when imports reached 1.57 billion litres and Dangote produced just 585 million litres. The average daily supply in November was 71.5 million litres, with imports at 52.1 million litres and Dangote supplying 19.5 million litres. The increase in total supply from 2.15 billion litres in November to 2.3 billion litres in December reflected seasonal demand pressures during the holiday period.

Despite growth in local refining, some marketers continued to prefer imported petrol. NMDPRA noted that import licences were justified due to supply shortages in September and October 2025. In November, NNPC and other marketers imported 1.5 billion litres, with daily imports of 52.1 million litres—the highest since Dangote began petrol production in September 2024. In September, Dangote supplied 17.6 million litres per day while imports were 22.1 million litres daily.

The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, criticized the former NMDPRA Chief Executive for issuing what he described as “reckless licences” for fuel importation despite sufficient refinery stock, accusing the move of undermining the economy. He noted that licences for 7.5 billion litres were planned for the first quarter of 2026, even as Dangote guaranteed adequate supply. Dangote also disrupted the market by cutting pump prices from around N900 to N739 per litre during the period, incurring losses for both refiners and importers.

The Dangote refinery has now begun night-time loading operations to maintain a daily petrol supply of over 50 million litres across Nigeria, marking a shift to full 24-hour operations. Managing Director David Bird said this move was necessary to meet market demand and improve product evacuation turnaround times. He noted that in the second half of 2025, the refinery consistently delivered over 50 million litres daily, even while ramping up capacity in conversion and downstream units.

Reports from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) indicate that the landing cost of imported petrol remains above Dangote’s ex-depot price of N699 per litre, fluctuating between N750 and N780. This pricing gap has made it difficult for importers to compete with Dangote-backed MRS stations. When Dangote reduced his gantry price by N129 in December, the move aimed to keep retail prices below N740 during the holiday season and to discourage unnecessary importation.