Nigeria has resumed importation of petrol and diesel as part of efforts to address ongoing supply shortfalls, industry marketers say.
According to stakeholders in the downstream sector, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has reinstated licences for fuel imports, a move intended to bridge gaps in domestic supply while local refineries work to meet the nation’s energy
Marketers explain that the decision was not taken lightly, but has become necessary because local production has not yet achieved full sufficiency.
Despite the full operational status of facilities such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other domestic plants, supply continues to fall short of total daily demand, prompting regulators to allow importation to boost availability and prevent scarcity at petrol stations.
The resumption comes amid broader debates within Nigeria’s energy sector about the balance between supporting local refining and ensuring stable fuel supply.
In recent months, the Dangote Refinery has been a central figure in this discussion, with independent marketers at times sourcing directly from its output, while also expressing concerns about how to maintain adequate nationwide distribution.
Industry bodies such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have consistently emphasized the importance of maximizing domestic supply and reducing reliance on imports, arguing that local refining capacity should ultimately meet national requirements.
This perspective has gained traction alongside reports that local refineries have significantly boosted production volumes in recent periods.
However, regulatory authorities maintain that allowing importation alongside local production is necessary for now, particularly to cushion markets and avoid fuel shortages while domestic capacity continues to scale up.
The move reflects ongoing efforts to balance energy security with the long‑term goal of strengthening Nigeria’s refining sector.
Image Credit: Nairametrics
Source: Nairametrics
