Nigeria's gasoline imports jump 60% despite domestic refining
Nigeria's gasoline imports jumped by 59.51 TP3T during May
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Imports recorded Nigeria Gasoline prices rose sharply during May, rebounding to 59.5% after months of decline, despite the growing contribution of local refineries in meeting market needs, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Nigeria's gasoline imports jumped by 59.51 TP3T during May
Statistics from the agency showed that average daily gasoline imports rose from 3.7 million liters per day in April to 5.9 million liters per day in May, reflecting Africa's largest economy's continued reliance on foreign fuel supplies, amid challenges facing the domestic refining sector.
This increase came at a time when crude oil supplies to local refineries fell by 5.61 TP3T, dropping from 612,000 barrels per day in April to 578,000 barrels per day in May, raising questions about the country's ability to continue its efforts to achieve fuel self-sufficiency.
According to the report, total daily gasoline supply increased by 6.81 TP3T to 47.4 million liters per day in May, compared to 44.4 million liters per day in April. Domestic refineries accounted for the largest share of supply at 41.5 million liters per day, while imports contributed approximately 5.9 million liters per day.
The report noted that “crude oil supplies to local refineries decreased by 5.6% during May, while gasoline imports jumped by 59.5% from 3.7 million liters per day in April to 5.9 million liters per day in May.”.
Although local refineries continue to be a major source of gasoline supplies, the recent increase in imports confirms the continued need for imported products to fill gaps that may arise in the market when local refineries face operational or production constraints.
Imports have declined since the beginning of the year
An analysis of supply trends during the period from January to May 2026 shows a significant shift towards reliance on domestic refining, as gasoline imports declined from 24.8 million liters per day in January to 5.9 million liters per day in May, a decrease of approximately 76% over five months.
In contrast, domestic refinery output rose from 40.1 million liters per day in January to 41.5 million liters per day in May, increasing the contribution of locally refined fuel to about 88% of total gasoline supply, compared to only about 62% at the beginning of the year.
Challenges facing Dangote refinery
The latest increase in imports comes amid reports of operational problems and a shortage of crude oil supplies to Dangote Petroleum's refinery, Africa's largest refining facility.
Industry reports indicate that the refinery recently reduced the operating rate of its gasoline production unit by approximately 34% due to a shortage of raw materials and some technical problems, which analysts believe contributed to increased reliance on imports during May.
Strong growth in diesel and jet fuel production
The agency’s data also showed remarkable growth in diesel production, with total supplies jumping by 84.3% from 10.2 million liters per day in April to 18.8 million liters per day in May, relying entirely on domestic production after imports fell to zero.
Jet fuel supplies also increased by 38.5%, reaching 3.6 million liters per day in May compared to 2.6 million liters per day during April.
In contrast, supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (cooking gas) fell from 4.5 kilotons per day in April to 4.1 kilotons per day in May.
Decreased consumption and declining inventories
The data indicated a decline in gasoline consumption during May by 9.4%, falling from 51.1 million liters per day in April to 46.3 million liters per day.
Despite the decline in consumption, inventory levels have seen a significant decrease, with the sufficiency period of gasoline stocks decreasing from 17.7 days in April to 16 days in May, while the sufficiency period of diesel stocks decreased from 39 days to 31 days.
Those working in the oil sector emphasize that ensuring a stable flow of crude oil supplies to local refineries remains a key element in reducing dependence on imports and achieving Nigeria's refining goals.
Recent indicators reflect the progress Nigeria has made in expanding its domestic refining capacity, but at the same time they highlight the ongoing challenges that drive marketing companies to rely on imported fuel to ensure stable supplies across the country.
