Nigeria Resumes Fuel Imports Amid Dangote Refinery Maintenance

Nigeria has resumed fuel imports amid maintenance activities at the Dangote Refinery, which has a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day. This maintenance has significantly impacted gasoline production, leading to an average import of 57,000 barrels per day in May, while exports stood at 23,000 barrels per day.

This marks a reversal from Nigeria's net export position recorded in March and April when local supply exceeded imports. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is importing approximately 11,000 barrels per day, while Dangote Refinery accounts for 27,000 barrels per day.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved substantial import allocations for the second quarter of the year to support domestic supply, despite disruptions in refinery operations. Independent market players, including AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono, Matrix, Nipco, and Pinnacle, have received permits for petroleum product imports.