The Nigerian government approves new fuel import permits to avoid supply shortages.

Nigeria Boubacar Sani

The Nigerian federal government has approved the issuance of a new batch of import permits for petrol and diesel during the third quarter of 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring stable supplies and preventing any fuel shortages in the local market.

Sources in the energy sector and regulatory bodies revealed that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has granted a number of distribution and marketing companies licenses to import gasoline and diesel fuel during the period from July to September.

Concerns about declining domestic inventories

This move comes amid growing concerns about dwindling fuel stocks within the country, coupled with declining gasoline production at the Dangote oil refinery, which is Africa's largest refining project.

Industry data indicated that gasoline stock sufficiency rates fell to only about 16 days during May, while diesel stock sufficiency declined to about 31 days, prompting authorities to take proactive measures to avoid any supply disruptions.

Major companies obtain import licenses

The companies that received gasoline import permits included prominent energy companies such as AA Rano, AYM Shava, Bono Energy, NEPCO, Matrix Energy and Pinnacle Oil.

Licenses to import diesel were also granted to a number of the same companies, with the exception of NEPCO, in order to meet the needs of the local market during the coming months.

According to the sources, some companies have obtained permits to import hundreds of thousands of tons of fuel, while the total approved quantities are expected to exceed 800,000 metric tons of gasoline.

Maintenance work is affecting production at the Dangote refinery.

Industry sources attributed part of the supply decline to reduced gasoline production at the Dangote refinery following maintenance work on one of its main fuel production units.

Estimates indicate that gasoline production at the refinery has declined by about 16 percent recently, which has contributed to increased reliance on imports to meet the needs of the local market.

Despite the expansion of domestic refining capacity, imports remain a strategic option for the government in the event of any decrease in production or increase in domestic demand.

Ensuring market stability during the transition phase

Energy experts believe that the continued issuance of import permits reflects the government's commitment to maintaining market stability and preventing supply crises, especially with the ongoing gradual shift towards relying on locally refined products.

Industry officials also confirm that imports will remain part of the fuel security strategy until local refineries reach their full production capacity and meet domestic demand sustainably.

This move highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector, despite large investments in refining projects, most notably the Dangote refinery, which is seen as a key pillar for achieving fuel self-sufficiency in the coming years.