Petrol imports by oil marketers surged sharply in March 2026, rising by about 96.7 per cent compared to February, according to data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The regulator’s March fact sheet showed that import volumes increased from 3.0 million litres per day in February to 5.9 million litres per day in March, signalling a renewed reliance on foreign supply despite improving domestic production.
The report noted that the spike in imports occurred alongside a steady rise in local supply, largely driven by domestic refiners such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Domestic petrol supply rose from 30.5 million litres per day to 34.2 million litres per day during the period.
Overall, total daily petrol supply recorded a marginal increase from 39.5 million litres to 40.1 million litres, indicating gradual stabilisation in the downstream sector.
Despite the sharp increase in imports, local production continued to account for the bulk of supply, reinforcing the growing role of domestic refining capacity in the market.
However, the data also revealed a notable decline in petrol consumption, which dropped from 56.9 million litres per day in February to 47.3 million litres per day in March. Analysts attribute the reduced demand to rising fuel prices, as the Dangote refinery adjusted its pump price multiple times during the month.
Stock sufficiency also declined significantly, falling from 30.7 days to 21.2 days, pointing to tighter inventory levels despite increased import volumes.
The figures highlight ongoing adjustments within Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, influenced by policy shifts from the NMDPRA. The regulator had earlier restricted the issuance of petrol import licences to prioritise locally refined products but later reinstated approvals to prevent supply disruptions during the transition.
In other segments, diesel supply dropped significantly from 24.4 million litres per day to 10.3 million litres per day, while LPG supply remained stable at 4.7 kilotonnes per day with increased domestic contribution.
The NMDPRA also reported modest growth in domestic gas supply and progress in refining projects, including expansion efforts at modular refineries, signalling a gradual strengthening of Nigeria’s energy sector.
