A debate is unfolding among Nigerian oil marketers regarding the country’s reliance on petrol imports since the Dangote Refinery began supplying the local market.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) states that its members are now sourcing petrol directly from the Dangote Refinery, leading to stable supply, no shortages, and even a drop in prices.
According to IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, it’s unlikely anyone is currently importing petrol because the domestic supply from Dangote is sufficient.
However, this view isn’t shared by everyone. Another retail oil marketer, Edwin Ogah, argues that Nigeria still depends significantly on imported petrol to meet national demand and build up stock security to prevent scarcity.
He points out that while the Dangote Refinery has started supplying the market, its capacity has not yet reached a scale to completely replace imports.
This perspective is supported by data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which showed a significant surge in petrol imports in November 2025.
Dangote Refinery has refuted claims that this import surge was due to a collapse in its supply agreements, stating its engagement with marketers is structured to meet demand and enhance competition. The refinery has also affirmed it is operating at full capacity, supplying over 50 million litres of petrol daily.
