Nigeria’s modular refining sector supplied an average of 648,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, per day in May 2026, according to performance data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) reviewed by Petroleumprice.ng.
Only three modular refineries Waltersmith, Edo Refinery and Aradel Refinery were operational during the month. OPAC Refinery and Duport Refinery remained shut throughout the period, reflecting ongoing operational gaps within the segment.
Edo Refinery stood out as the most efficient plant, recording the highest capacity utilisation at 91.66 per cent. The facility produced an average of 80,000 litres of diesel daily, with its entire output directed to the domestic market, making it the most efficiently deployed modular refinery in May.
Aradel Refinery recorded the highest production volume among the operating plants. It ran at 62.94 per cent capacity utilisation, producing about 341,000 litres of diesel daily. Of this, 326,000 litres were supplied locally, reinforcing its position as a major domestic contributor.
Waltersmith Refinery also maintained consistent operations during the period, posting a capacity utilisation rate of 65.31 per cent. It produced 296,000 litres of diesel daily and supplied 242,000 litres to the Nigerian market.
On a supply breakdown, Aradel accounted for the largest share of domestic diesel deliveries at 326,000 litres per day, followed by Waltersmith with 242,000 litres and Edo Refinery with 80,000 litres.
The combined performance underscores the increasing role of modular refineries in supporting Nigeria’s diesel supply chain, especially amid tight competition in the downstream sector. However, the shutdown of OPAC and Duport continues to highlight persistent operational and structural challenges within the sub-sector.
Overall, the three active modular refineries delivered a combined 648,000 litres of diesel daily in May, reinforcing their importance as supplementary sources to larger refining systems in the country.