Oil marketers in Nigeria imported a total of 523,300 metric tonnes (MT) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in February 2025, which translates to 701.4 million litres of petrol this is according to tanker motor report. This comes as the country continues to depend heavily on fuel imports despite efforts to boost local refining capacity.
Breakdown of PMS Imports in February
The PMS importation for February was distributed across four key port locations:
- Lagos: 317,300 MT (425.6 million litres)
- Calabar: 36,000 MT (48.3 million litres)
- Port Harcourt: 40,000 MT (53.6 million litres)
- Warri: 130,000 MT (174.3 million litres)
Total PMS Imports in February:
523,300 MT (701.4 million litres)
Nigeria’s Continued Dependence on Fuel Imports
Despite the current puch for market dominance by Dangote Refinery and NNPCL’s role in domestic fuel supply, oil marketers are still relying on imported petrol to meet national demand. This importation volume highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with refining capacity and self-sufficiency in fuel production.
Implications for Fuel Pricing and Availability
With the continued reliance on imports, the cost of petrol in Nigeria remains vulnerable to fluctuations in international crude prices and foreign exchange rates. Marketers have warned that unless forex stabilises and local refining reaches optimal capacity, fuel prices will remain volatile.
Future Outlook
The federal government has positioned the ‘Decade of Gas‘ initiative as a long-term strategy to transition the country towards cleaner energy. However, the current reality suggests that fuel imports will continue to play a significant role in the market in the foreseeable future.
With 701.4 million litres of PMS imported in February alone, the question remains when will Nigeria finally achieve fuel independence?