Nigeria's domestic refining sector produced an average of 44.7 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, per day in May 2026, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The figures, contained in the regulator's May 2026 Facts Sheet, indicate continued strong performance from local refineries as the country advances efforts to strengthen domestic fuel production and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
The report showed that domestic refineries supplied 41.5 million litres of petrol to the local market daily during the month, while maintaining closing stocks of 9.4 million litres. Overall PMS availability reached 47.4 million litres per day when additional supply sources were accounted for, closely matching national consumption levels.
According to the NMDPRA, average petrol consumption stood at 46.3 million litres per day in May, leaving a supply surplus of approximately 1.1 million litres daily.
The data also showed that the country's refining system operated at an average utilisation rate of 101.25 per cent during the month, reflecting sustained high production levels across domestic refining facilities.
Despite the increase in local production, petrol supply remained slightly below the regulator's benchmark national demand estimate of 50 million litres per day. However, available supply met about 95 per cent of the projected requirement, indicating improved market balance compared with previous periods characterised by greater reliance on imports.
In addition to petrol production, domestic refineries produced 24.5 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, daily in May. Of this volume, 18.2 million litres were supplied to the domestic market, while 6.5 million litres were exported.
Aviation turbine kerosene production averaged 21.9 million litres per day during the month. The report showed that 17.5 million litres were exported, while 2.8 million litres were supplied locally.
The NMDPRA data further indicated that Nigeria maintained 16 days of PMS stock sufficiency at the end of May, suggesting adequate inventory levels to support domestic demand.
The report also highlighted contributions from modular refineries. WalterSmith Refinery, Edo Refinery and Aradel Refinery collectively supplied approximately 648,000 litres of diesel daily to the domestic market, with utilisation rates ranging between 62.9 per cent and 91.7 per cent.
The latest figures come as attention in the downstream petroleum sector increasingly focuses on fuel pricing amid recent declines in global crude oil prices. Over the past several weeks, falling crude prices have contributed to lower ex-depot petrol prices across a number of private depots, intensifying competition among marketers and suppliers.
However, the reductions recorded at the depot level have not been fully reflected at retail outlets, where pump prices remain elevated in many locations across the country. Industry participants have cited factors such as inventory replacement costs, foreign exchange pressures, transportation expenses and broader market dynamics as reasons for the slower adjustment in retail prices.
Analysts say the growing contribution of domestic refiners to Nigeria's petrol supply could increasingly influence pricing trends in the downstream market. With local refineries producing 44.7 million litres of petrol daily and overall supply closely matching domestic consumption, attention is turning to whether further declines in crude oil prices and ex-depot rates will translate into lower pump prices for consumers in the weeks ahead.
As competition among refiners, depot operators and marketers continues to intensify, stakeholders are closely monitoring how domestic production levels, supply availability and international oil market developments will shape fuel pricing across the country.