Petrol Imports Jump As Output, Consumption Dip In November — Regulator
By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE
PETROL imports climbed sharply to 52.1 million litres per day in November 2025, even as Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption fell to 52.9 million litres, according to new data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The regulator’s Fact Sheet shows a major jump in imports from 27.6 million litres per day in October, driven by the need to rebuild depleted stock levels, prepare for year-end demand, and offload 12 delayed vessels initially expected in October. The NNPC, described as the “supplier of last resort,” led the import push to stabilise national supply.
Local refinery output also increased, with combined domestic supply rising to 19.5 million litres daily, largely boosted by Dangote Refinery’s output, which rose from 18.03 million litres in October to 23.52 million litres in November—still short of the 35 million litres per day earlier projected by government. Refineries under the NNPC in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna remained shut for rehabilitation.
Despite increased supply, the data highlights concerns about Nigeria’s refining capacity and the implications of previous government plans to introduce a petrol import tariff—later suspended amid fears of higher fuel prices.
The report also shows wide variations in pump prices nationwide, ranging from ₦910 in Lagos to ₦982.50 in Maiduguri, while average stock sufficiency improved markedly from 11.1 to 16.65 days.
Diesel consumption averaged 15.4 million litres per day, alongside 2.5 million litres of aviation fuel and rising LPG supply at 5 mt/day. Modular refinery performance varied, with OPAC and Duport inactive, while Waltersmith, Edo Refinery, and Aradel operated at utilisation levels between 62% and 91%.
