Petrol Imports Surge 207% in June as Nigeria’s Domestic Supply Drops — NMDPRA

Nigeria’s petrol importation recorded a sharp increase in June 2026, rising by 207 per cent month-on-month as domestic supply from local refineries declined significantly, according to data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The latest figures indicate a reversal of the progress recorded earlier in the year, when locally refined petrol accounted for the majority of Nigeria’s supply needs between February and May.

NMDPRA’s monthly petrol supply data for the first half of 2026 showed that petrol imports increased from an average of 5.9 million litres per day (ml/d) in May to 18.1 million litres per day in June.

The June figure represented 35.8 per cent of the country’s total petrol supply for the month, compared with 12.4 per cent recorded in May.

At the same time, domestic petrol supply dropped from 41.5 million litres per day in May to 32.5 million litres per day in June, accounting for 64.2 per cent of total supply.

The development marks a renewed dependence on imported petrol despite ongoing government efforts to strengthen local refining capacity and reduce reliance on foreign petroleum products.

Data from the regulatory authority showed that Nigeria had achieved stronger domestic supply performance earlier in the year.

In January, petrol imports averaged 24.8 million litres per day, accounting for 38.2 per cent of total supply, while domestic supply contributed 40.1 million litres daily, representing 61.8 per cent of the 64.9 million litres daily supply.

By February, imports dropped sharply to 3 million litres per day, representing just 9.3 per cent of total supply, while domestic supply rose to 29.4 million litres per day.

The dominance of local supply continued into March, April and May, with domestic sources contributing more than 85 per cent of total petrol supply during the period.

In April, domestic supply accounted for 91.7 per cent of total supply, while imports contributed only 8.3 per cent.

However, the trend changed in June as domestic output declined and imports increased significantly.

The increase in petrol imports coincided with a decline in crude supply to domestic refineries.

NMDPRA data showed that average crude supplied to local refineries dropped to 393,746 barrels per day in June from 421,018 barrels per day in May, representing a decline of about 6.5 per cent.

The reduction in crude availability came amid reported challenges faced by domestic refiners, including the need for some operators to source crude at international prices.

The 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery has also faced reported crude supply pressures, which have affected production levels.

With domestic petrol supply falling by 21.7 per cent between May and June, Nigeria was forced to increase imports to bridge the supply gap.

The latest figures highlight the challenge of sustaining Nigeria’s transition towards petrol self-sufficiency despite increased investments in domestic refining capacity.

The Federal Government has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to ending decades of dependence on imported petroleum products through the revival of local refineries and support for private-sector investments.

However, the June data suggests that consistent crude availability, refinery efficiency and supply chain stability remain critical factors in achieving that objective.

Industry analysts say maintaining steady crude supply to local refineries will be essential if Nigeria hopes to reduce import dependence and ensure long-term stability in the downstream petroleum sector.