The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has approved fresh petrol import permits for six depot owners and marketers, each authorised to import about 30,000 metric tonnes of petrol. The approvals, the first issued in 2026, come as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to dominate domestic fuel supply.
Industry data shows local refining produced approximately 36.5 million litres of petrol daily in February, while imports contributed roughly 3 million litres, bringing total supply to nearly 39.5 million litres per day. Dangote is currently the only refinery producing petrol locally, as most modular refineries focus mainly on diesel.
Analysts say the new import permits may be aimed at maintaining supply flexibility and preventing excessive market concentration. While domestic refining has reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imports, experts warn that regulators must ensure competition, stable distribution networks, and consistent supply as the market evolves.
