Nigeria's Fuel Imports Surge 114% in March Amid Local Refining

In March, Nigeria's fuel imports increased by 114%, amounting to 182,235,909 liters, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This rise occurred despite a push for local refining, with the NMDPRA reporting that six independent marketers were licensed to import fuel.

The total supply from local refineries was 1,111,987,635 liters, contributing to a combined total of 1,294,223,544 liters supplied in March. Lagos State led the supply with 209,593,641 liters, followed by Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory.

The NMDPRA has emphasized energy security as a priority, clarifying that it has not issued any import licenses in the first quarter of 2026. The agency's recent licensing round allowed for a significant increase in import volumes, with six companies authorized to import between 60,000 and 150,000 metric tons of petrol.

Aliko Dangote's refinery is expected to play a vital role in meeting Nigeria's petrol demand, while the NMDPRA continues to regulate foreign fuel imports.