Nigeria imported approximately 1.31 billion litres of petrol in December 2025, even as local refining capacity increased, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The Dangote refinery supplied nearly 992 million litres during the same period, highlighting a growing contribution from domestic production. On a daily basis, Nigeria received 42.2 million litres from imports, while the refinery supplied 32 million litres.
The data shows a clear improvement from November, when petrol imports were 1.57 billion litres and Dangote supplied only 585 million litres. The total daily petrol supply increased from 71.5 million litres in November to 74.2 million litres in December, reflecting seasonal demand spikes during the Yuletide period. While local refining is expanding, some marketers continue to favor imported fuel due to supply patterns and market preferences.
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, criticized the previous NMDPRA administration for issuing “reckless licences” for fuel importation despite full refinery storage. Dangote argued that such actions disrupted the economy and forced the company to lower pump prices from around ₦900 to ₦739 per litre, absorbing significant losses to protect consumers. The Dangote refinery has now moved to 24-hour operations, including night-time loading, to meet the growing national demand of over 50 million litres per day.
Despite the ramp-up in local refining, imported petrol remains more expensive. The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) reported that landing costs for imported petrol range from ₦750 to ₦780 per litre, compared to Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price of ₦699. This price difference continues to fuel competition and make imported petrol less attractive to marketers, especially with Dangote-backed stations offering lower prices.
Industry experts say the surge in both imports and local production reflects a transitional period in Nigeria’s fuel sector. While local refineries are increasingly meeting demand, strong seasonal pressures, historical supply gaps, and market habits keep imports high. Analysts suggest that as refining capacity stabilizes, the country may gradually rely less on imported petrol, reducing costs for consumers and strengthening energy self-sufficiency.
source: Punch