The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has granted import permits for petrol to six depot owners and petroleum marketers. Industry insiders view this as a strategic step by the Federal Government to ensure stability and balance in the country’s downstream fuel sector.
According to multiple sources in the industry, the regulator recently issued these permits to six importers. Each is authorized to import approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS, commonly known as petrol).
This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about supply concentration. Recent data revealed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery supplied roughly 92% of Nigeria’s petrol in February.
Industry statistics show that local refining provided an average of about 36.5 million litres per day that month, with imports adding roughly 3 million litres daily resulting in a total supply of around 39.5 million litres per day.
At present, the Dangote refinery is the sole facility in Nigeria producing petrol, while most modular refineries primarily focus on diesel output.
However, a senior industry insider with knowledge of regulatory activities noted that, until recently, no petrol import permits had been issued under the current NMDPRA leadership. This suggests the recent approvals could signal a deliberate policy shift to preserve supply diversity and adaptability as the domestic market continues to develop.