FG Moves To Restart Petrol, Diesel Import Licences
By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE
THE Federal Government may soon resume the issuance of petrol and diesel import permits, as regulators move to head off potential supply shortages following a temporary suspension earlier this year.
Industry sources say the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is expected to begin approving new import licences later in February or by early March. If implemented, the move would mark the first approvals for refined fuel imports in 2026.
The suspension of permits was reportedly aimed at tightening control over fuel imports, limiting them only to volumes needed to offset shortfalls in domestic refinery output. Regulators had sought to align import volumes with local production in a bid to encourage refining capacity and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.
However, energy market watchers warn that prolonged delays in issuing permits could lead to supply pressure, particularly if domestic output does not ramp up as projected. The anticipated resumption of approvals is therefore seen as a step to maintain market stability.
Sources quoted by Argus noted that leadership changes within the NMDPRA contributed to the delay. The departure of the agency’s former chief executive, Farouk Ahmed, on 17 December reportedly affected internal workflows, slowing approval processes during the transition period.
Typically, refined product import permits are issued quarterly and remain valid for three months. With approvals now expected close to the midpoint of the first quarter, questions have arisen over how the regulator will apply the existing framework and whether permit durations or volumes will be adjusted.
Industry players say clarity from the regulator will be crucial to guide planning and logistics, as import permits remain a key tool for managing fuel supply and preventing disruptions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.
