The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved six petrol import permits for depot owners and petroleum marketers in a move seen by industry sources as part of efforts by the Federal Government to maintain balance in Nigeria’s downstream fuel market.
Multiple industry sources told Petroleumprice that the regulator recently granted the permits to six importers, allowing each to bring in about 30,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The approvals come amid growing debate over supply concentration after data showed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery accounted for about 92 percent of Nigeria’s petrol supply in February.
Industry figures indicated that domestic refining supplied roughly 36.5 million litres per day during the month, while imports contributed about 3 million litres daily, bringing total supply to approximately 39.5 million litres per day.
The Dangote refinery currently remains the only facility producing petrol in Nigeria, while most modular refineries focus mainly on diesel production.
However, a senior industry source familiar with regulatory operations said that, prior to now, no importer had received petrol import permits under the current leadership of the NMDPRA, suggesting the approvals may represent a policy adjustment aimed at maintaining supply flexibility as the market evolves.
Nigeria has historically relied heavily on imported petrol due to the long-standing shutdown of state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. The commencement of operations at the Dangote refinery has significantly reduced import dependence, reshaping supply dynamics in the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
Industry observers say the latest approvals may reflect efforts by authorities to ensure supply stability while supporting the ongoing transition toward increased domestic refining.