Petrol imports remain high as Dangote refinery boosts supply
Nigeria continues to import large volumes of petrol despite increased output from the Dangote refinery. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority shows that both imports and local refining contributed significantly to the country's fuel supply. Aliko Dangote has criticised the issuance of fuel import licences, arguing that local production can meet demand. The price war between importers and the Dangote refinery has intensified, affecting pump prices nationwide.
TLDR
- Nigeria imported approximately 1.31 billion litres of petrol in December 2025, while the Dangote refinery supplied 992 million litres during the same period.
- Petrol imports in November were higher at 1.57 billion litres, with Dangote supplying 585 million litres.
- The Dangote refinery began 24-hour loading operations, aiming to meet daily supply requirements of over 50 million litres, according to Managing Director David Bird.
- Aliko Dangote accused former NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed of issuing “reckless licences” for fuel importation despite sufficient local supply.
- The Dangote refinery reduced its petrol gantry price by N129 in December to keep retail prices below N740 during the Yuletide and discourage imports.
