Nigeria’s fuel supply is set for another major boost as five vessels carrying approximately 154.2 million litres of imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are expected to arrive at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos and Calabar Port this week. According to the latest Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) shipping schedule, the vessels will deliver a combined 115,000 metric tonnes of petrol, reinforcing the role imports continue to play in meeting the country’s energy demand despite improvements in domestic refining capacity.
The fresh shipment comes at a time when Nigeria is witnessing increased local fuel production, particularly following the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. However, petroleum marketers continue to import fuel to complement domestic supply, citing market competition, pricing dynamics and the need to maintain supply security. The development also follows Dangote Refinery’s recent decision to resume selling petrol in naira, a move reportedly aimed at preventing fuel scarcity and shielding consumers from further price increases.
According to industry sources, the refinery’s decision was influenced by concerns that some importers were deliberately withholding fuel stocks in anticipation of higher market prices. Although the refinery has resumed naira sales, officials noted that the move was made in the national interest rather than because crude oil supply challenges had been completely resolved. The continued arrival of imported petrol underscores the reality that Nigeria’s deregulated downstream sector still relies on a mix of local production and international supply.
The NPA schedule shows that four vessels—LESTE, BORA, ST ILHAAM, and STELLAR—will discharge their cargoes at the KLT Phase 3A terminal in Tin Can Island Port, while SL AREMU is expected to berth at the North West Petroleum & Gas terminal in Calabar. Together, the vessels will deliver roughly 154.2 million litres of petrol, with individual shipments ranging from over 13 million litres to more than 40 million litres each. Another listing also showed the vessel STELLAR at the Dangote terminal in Lekki Deep Sea Port in ballast, indicating it is likely preparing to load products rather than discharge cargo.
The continued importation of petrol reflects Nigeria’s evolving downstream petroleum market, where marketers are free to source products from either local refineries or international suppliers based on commercial viability. While the Dangote Refinery and ongoing rehabilitation of state-owned refineries have significantly strengthened domestic refining capacity, imported fuel remains an important part of the nation’s supply chain. Industry regulators have consistently maintained that the liberalised market allows qualified operators to compete freely, ensuring consumers benefit from improved product availability while market forces determine pricing.
source: punch
