The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the green light for the importation of 830,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, for the fourth quarter of 2026. This move is aimed at ensuring adequate petrol supply during the final quarter of the year, particularly during the Christmas and New Year festivities when demand for petroleum products typically rises. The approval was granted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The latest import permits were granted to six major petroleum marketers, namely Matrix Energy, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, NIPCO, Pinnacle Oil, and Bono Energy. These companies have been the major beneficiaries of the regulator's petrol import programme since the beginning of the year. In the first quarter, they were granted a combined 180,000 metric tonnes of import permits, while the allocation rose to 720,000MT in the second quarter. The Q3 allocation was subsequently increased to more than 800,000MT.
The approval comes as Nigeria's petrol market continues to rely on a combination of locally refined products and imports to meet domestic demand. Despite this, Nigeria's reliance on imported petrol has fallen significantly as local refineries increase production. Data attributed to the NMDPRA showed that domestic refineries supplied about 76.7 per cent of Nigeria's total petrol supply in the first quarter of 2026.
The development has, however, revived concerns over the continued issuance of petrol import permits as local refining capacity expands. Dangote refinery, which is currently challenging the continued issuance and renewal of petroleum product import licences by the NMDPRA, has asked the Federal High Court to nullify import licences issued by the regulator in circumstances where it argues that domestic supply is sufficient.
The fresh permits also come amid reported changes in Dangote refinery's distribution arrangements, with industry information indicating that the refinery has restricted the sale of its petroleum products to independent marketers. Meanwhile, the volume approved for importation represents a significant increase from the allocation made earlier in the year.
With the Yuletide period approaching, the 830,000MT import allocation is expected to provide additional supply capacity for the downstream market as marketers prepare for increased petrol consumption. The latest approval means imported petrol will remain part of Nigeria's supply mix through the final quarter, alongside products from domestic refineries.
The case against the NMDPRA is scheduled for further hearing on October 7, 2026. The Dangote Refinery has stated that it has enough petrol for local consumption and exports. The Federal Government's move to maintain adequate petrol supply during the final quarter of the year is crucial in ensuring that the country's energy needs are met.
Key points
- The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the importation of 830,000MT petrol for Q4 2026.
- The import permits were granted to six major petroleum marketers.
- The approval comes amid increased domestic refining capacity and rising demand during the Yuletide period.
