The Federal Government has approved fresh petrol imports for the fourth quarter of 2026, with six petroleum marketers cleared to bring in a combined 830,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The approval by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) extends the petrol import permit arrangement that has been in operation since the beginning of the year.
According to a report by Petroleumprice.ng, the six major marketers cleared to import the products include AA Rano, AYM Shafa, NIPCO, Matrix Energy, Bono Energy and Pinnacle Oil.
The latest approval is expected to sustain the participation of imported products in Nigeria’s petrol supply chain even as the Dangote refinery continues to increase its contribution to the domestic market.
Under the arrangement, the six approved marketers are expected to import the allocated volumes during the fourth quarter to supplement local supplies and help maintain product availability across the country.
Industry data show that the downstream regulator approved importation of 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol in the first quarter, increased it to 720,000 tonnes in the second quarter and 800,000 tonnes in the third. The latest approved import figure reflects a 3.75 per cent increase from the volume for the third quarter.
The development comes amid growing expectations that increased domestic refining capacity would progressively reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petrol.
The Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest single-train refinery, has continued to ramp up production and supply petrol to the Nigerian market, raising questions over the continued need for substantial import volumes. The $20 billion facility raised its capacity from the initial 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) installed capacity to 700,000 bpd.
However, the government’s decision to retain imports suggests that domestic refining output is yet to completely displace imported PMS from the country’s supply chain.
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NMPDRA’s Factsheet for July indicates that PMS imports increased by 9 per cent from 18.1 million litres per day in June to 19.7 million litres per day in July. The data shows that total supply of petrol to the Nigerian market dropped from 50.6 million litres per day in June to 45.5 million litres per day in July. Out of the 45.5 million litres, 25.8 million litres were supplied from domestic sources. This reflected a 21 per cent decrease from 32.5 million litres supplied in June. Despite this, supply from local sources still dominated imports, accounting for 56.7 per cent of the total volume supplied to the market in July.
The import approvals also come against the backdrop of continuing volatility in the downstream petroleum market, where changes in crude prices, exchange rates, logistics and refinery output influence petrol supply and prices.
Industry analysts have remained divided on the petroleum products import policy. Some industry operators have continued to argue that maintaining multiple supply sources could provide a buffer against disruptions, particularly where local production falls short of national demand.
Others kick against the importation policy, stressing that it deepens foreign exchange pressure and discourages local refining.
The continued import approval also raises questions about the government’s broader transition from a predominantly import-dependent petroleum market to one increasingly supported by domestic refining capacity.
The state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, managed by NNPC, have remained moribund, leaving only Dangote Refinery to supply the bulk of petrol into the market, as modular refineries are primarily producing diesel, dual-purpose kerosene, naphtha and black oil.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X