Dangote Refinery Output Slides 21% as Nigeria Ramps Up Petrol Imports

Nigeria's domestic petrol production dropped sharply in July 2026, with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery supplying 21 percent less fuel than the previous month. According to data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), daily output fell to 25.8 million litres from 32.5 million litres in June—marking the lowest monthly supply the facility has delivered this year. Simultaneously, the country increased petrol imports by 9 percent to compensate for the production shortfall.

The combined effect widened Nigeria's reliance on foreign-refined products despite government efforts to reduce import dependence through domestic refining expansion. Total daily petrol receipts, combining local and imported supplies, declined 10 percent month-on-month, dropping from 50.6 million litres in June to 45.5 million litres in July. Imported fuel accounted for 19.7 million litres of the daily supply during the month.

Consumption patterns also shifted significantly. National petrol usage declined 25 percent in July to 35.7 million litres daily, compared with 47.4 million litres in June. Despite lower demand and reduced supply, petrol stock sufficiency improved, rising to 22.4 days of inventory from 19.7 days previously. However, supplies remain below the NMDPRA's 30-day minimum threshold. The Dangote Refinery produced 25.9 million litres daily in July and exported 3.4 million litres, meaning nearly its entire output remained within Nigeria's domestic market.

The decline in domestic supply prompted pricing adjustments. The refinery increased its petrol price to 1,185 naira per litre effective August 21, 2026. The July figures represent a reversal of earlier momentum, as Nigeria had previously worked to expand local production capacity and reduce vulnerability to global fuel market fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.