The issuance of petrol import licences by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has contributed to a 9 per cent increase in petrol imports in July 2026.
According to data contained in the NMDPRA’s latest factsheet, petrol imports rose to 19.7 million litres per day in July, up from 18.1 million litres per day in June.
The increase came despite a significant decline in domestic petrol consumption during the same period. Daily petrol consumption fell by 25 per cent, from 47.4 million litres per day in June to 35.7 million litres per day in July.
At the same time, petrol supplied to the domestic market by the Dangote Refinery declined by 21 per cent. The refinery’s PMS supply dropped from 32.5 million litres per day in June to 25.8 million litres per day in July.
The NMDPRA data also showed a decline in the refinery’s Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, supply. Dangote’s diesel supply fell by 3 per cent, from 16.2 million litres per day to 15.7 million litres per day.
Meanwhile, diesel imports increased significantly in July, reaching 7.9 million litres per day, compared with zero imports recorded in June.
The development followed the NMDPRA’s decision in June to issue import licences to several petroleum marketers, including AA Rano and AYM Shafa, for the importation of petrol and diesel during the third quarter of 2026.
The figures therefore indicate a shift in Nigeria’s fuel supply pattern, with imported petroleum products increasing even as domestic consumption and Dangote Refinery’s petrol supply declined.
