Six fuel-laden vessels valued at approximately N279 billion have begun arriving at Nigerian ports, intensifying attention on the ongoing legal dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over the continued importation of refined petroleum products into the country. The shipments, comprising petrol and diesel, are scheduled to discharge across terminals in Lagos and Calabar through June 19.
According to shipping data from the Nigerian Ports Authority, five of the vessels are carrying Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), while one is transporting Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). In total, the cargoes contain about 212.7 million litres of fuel, with an estimated market value derived from Dangote refinery gantry prices—highlighting the scale of Nigeria’s ongoing reliance on imported refined products despite local refining capacity.
Among the arrivals is the MT Mosunmola, carrying 45,000 metric tonnes of petrol, and the MT ST Ilhaam, with another 37,000 metric tonnes destined for discharge later in the week. Other vessels, including MT Bora, MT Stellar, MT Lausu, and MT Leste, are also berthed or en route, underscoring a steady flow of imports into key petroleum handling terminals such as Apapa, Tincan, and Calabar.
The development comes at a sensitive time as Dangote Petroleum Refinery is currently before the Lagos Federal High Court, seeking to restrict the issuance of import licences for refined petroleum products. The refinery argues that continued imports undermine its operations and Nigeria’s push toward domestic fuel sufficiency, while marketers and the NNPC insist that competition is necessary to prevent market dominance and price distortion.
As the legal battle unfolds, the refinery—Nigeria’s largest and one of the biggest in the world—continues to ramp up production and expand capacity, positioning itself as a key player in both domestic supply and international exports. The court’s decision is expected to significantly influence Nigeria’s downstream petroleum landscape, pricing structure, and long-term energy security strategy.
source: punch