Nigeria’s importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, surged by 96.7% in March 2026, even as domestic supply recorded notable growth.
This is according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The data highlights a complex shift in Nigeria’s downstream sector, where rising imports and improving local refining are occurring simultaneously.
The figures underscore ongoing adjustments in fuel supply dynamics as the country balances energy security with efforts to boost domestic refining capacity.
What the data is saying
Data from the regulator’s March 2026 fact sheet shows a sharp increase in petrol imports alongside improved domestic supply.
- Petrol import volumes rose from 3.0 million litres per day in February to 5.9 million litres per day in March.
- Domestic petrol supply increased from 30.5 million litres per day to 34.2 million litres per day.
- Total daily petrol supply edged up from 39.5 million litres to 40.1 million litres.
- Petrol consumption declined from 56.9 million litres per day in February to 47.3 million litres per day in March.
Despite the surge in imports, domestic supply continued to account for the majority of total fuel availability.
Get up to speed
Nigeria’s downstream sector has undergone significant policy and structural changes in recent months.
- The regulator initially restricted the issuance of petrol import licences to encourage local refining.
- This policy shift followed the ramp-up of operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
- Import licences were later reinstated to prevent supply shortages during the transition phase.
These measures reflect efforts to balance local production growth with short-term supply stability.
More Insights
The data reveals broader trends across Nigeria’s fuel and energy supply chain.
- Petrol stock sufficiency dropped from 30.7 days to 21.2 days, indicating tighter inventory levels.
- Diesel (AGO) supply declined significantly from 24.4 million litres per day to 10.3 million litres per day.
- LPG supply remained stable at 4.7 kilotonnes per day, with increased domestic contribution.
- Domestic gas supply rose from 4.771 billion standard cubic feet per day to 4.888 bscf/d.
The regulator also noted progress in refining capacity, including expansion activities at modular refineries.
Recent developments highlight both progress and challenges in Nigeria’s fuel market.
- The Dangote refinery increased petrol prices multiple times in March, reaching N1,275 per litre.
- The Waltersmith Refinery has commenced hydrocarbon introduction in its second train, signalling capacity expansion.
- Combined refinery growth is expected to reduce long-term dependence on fuel imports.
While rising imports helped stabilise supply in the short term, sustained growth in domestic refining remains key to achieving energy independence.
What you should know
Recent data from Nigerian authorities presents higher production figures compared to OPEC estimates.
- The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission reported production at 1.84 million bpd in early April.
- The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited later stated that output stood at 1.71 million bpd.
- The variation in figures highlights differences in reporting methodologies and timelines.
Nairametrics reported that Crude oil production by OPEC fell sharply by 27.5% to 20.79 million barrels per day (bpd) in March, marking one of the most significant supply disruptions in decades.
In March, crude oil production by OPEC countries plunged by 7.88 million barrels per day to 20.79 million bpd, representing a decline of 27.5%.
