Domestic Crude Supply Drops in Nigeria Amid Sabotage Allegations and Refinery Disputes
Nigeria’s domestic crude supply to local refineries recorded a noticeable decline in May 2026, dropping to 15.84 million barrels, according to fresh data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This came even as total refinery intake rose to 17.92 million barrels for the month, highlighting a complex mix of reduced local supply but continued processing activity across facilities.
The report shows a drop from April’s 17.96 million barrels of domestic supply, despite imports remaining relatively low at 2.08 million barrels. While domestic crude still accounted for about 88.4 percent of total refinery feedstock, the month-on-month decline has raised concerns about consistency in local crude availability and supply chain stability within the sector.
Industry tensions have intensified alongside the data release, with allegations of sabotage in the crude supply chain adding to ongoing disputes. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has recently raised concerns over what it described as deliberate disruptions affecting crude delivery to domestic refineries, claims that have fueled broader debates over Nigeria’s crude allocation framework and regulatory effectiveness.
Despite the challenges, refinery performance remained strong. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery continued to operate above capacity at 101.25 percent utilization in May, processing significant volumes of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. It also maintained both domestic supply and export activities, signaling resilience even amid feedstock constraints and policy uncertainty.
However, broader systemic issues persist. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) noted that billions of dollars’ worth of crude remained unlifted in the first quarter of 2026 due to pricing disputes, logistical challenges, and the “willing buyer, willing seller” structure. As debates over domestic crude obligations continue, stakeholders remain divided on whether policy gaps, commercial realities, or alleged sabotage are driving Nigeria’s ongoing supply inconsistencies.
source: punch