Depot owners and regulators have begun fresh deliberations on Nigeria’s fuel import permit framework, as industry players move toward reconciliation with the Dangote Refinery over supply and pricing concerns.
The discussions took place on Friday, February 20, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed. Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) members were among the key participants.
Import Framework Under Review
At the centre of the engagement was the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) import permit framework. Stakeholders reviewed current supply projections for the first quarter of 2026 and examined how import licences could be deployed to prevent potential shortfalls.
Participants agreed that while domestic refining capacity has improved, particularly following the restreaming of petrol production at the Dangote Refinery, a structured and responsive import window remains necessary to stabilise the market when gaps emerge.
Regulators indicated that import licences would be released where supply imbalances are identified. Authorities have already issued permits for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) to address observed shortages in those product categories.
Reconciliation with Dangote
The meeting comes amid efforts to harmonise supply arrangements between depot owners and the Dangote Refinery. Industry sources describe the ongoing engagement as part of a broader reconciliation process aimed at aligning domestic refining output with distribution realities.
Depot operators acknowledged the positive contribution of the refinery’s petrol production to national stock levels. However, they emphasised the need for a predictable framework that accommodates both local supply and supplementary imports when required.
Modular refineries were also recognised for boosting domestic volumes and enhancing energy security.
Safety and Sector Stability
Beyond supply and import issues, stakeholders addressed the persistent challenge of tanker-related road accidents. Participants called for stricter compliance measures and coordinated safety enforcement to reduce incidents and protect lives and property.
A Critical Industry Moment
The downstream petroleum sector is currently navigating a delicate balance between expanding domestic refining capacity and maintaining market stability. As reconciliation efforts with Dangote continue, the evolving import permit framework is expected to play a key role in smoothing supply fluctuations.
Depot owners reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement with regulators, while NMDPRA pledged continued dialogue to ensure transparency, adequacy of supply, and operational stability across the value chain.