164,000 Metric Tonnes of Petrol, Diesel Headed to Nigeria as Import Licences Spark Fresh Tension
By Aboki Forex —
Competition in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector is heating up again. Marketers are set to receive at least 164,000 metric tonnes of imported petroleum products across major ports, despite claims that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet most of the country’s fuel demand.
The incoming cargoes, made up of petrol and diesel, are expected to boost supply and provide fresh competition for the Dangote refinery. This follows recent adjustments in ex-depot fuel prices.
According to the Daily Shipping Position obtained on Sunday, the shipments include 82,000 metric tonnes of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, and 81,882 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol. The vessels will discharge at ports in Lagos, Delta, and Cross River states. Lagos will receive the largest share.
Four diesel vessels are heading to the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) in Lagos. The vessel HUDSON arrived at KLT Phase 2 on May 8 with 25,000 metric tonnes of diesel. ALINDA berthed at KLT Phase 3A the same day with 10,000 metric tonnes. PINARELLO arrived on May 9 with 20,000 metric tonnes, while LESTE was scheduled for May 10 with 27,000 metric tonnes.
For petrol imports, UM BALWA is expected at KLT Phase 3A with 32,000 metric tonnes of PMS. At Koko Port in Warri, AFRICAN MARVEL will deliver 20,000 metric tonnes. KINGIS is expected at the AYM Shafa terminal with 15,000 metric tonnes. In Calabar, SL AREMU will berth with 14,882 metric tonnes of petrol for importer North West.
NMDPRA Approves 720,000 Metric Tonnes of Petrol Imports
The development follows fresh approvals by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The regulator reportedly issued licences to six marketers to import 720,000 metric tonnes of petrol. The approved marketers include NIPCO Plc, AA Rano, Matrix Energy Group, Shafa Energy, Pinnacle Oil and Gas, and Bono Energy.
Breakdown of the approvals shows NIPCO and Shafa will each import 120,000 metric tonnes. Matrix and AA Rano will each bring in 150,000 metric tonnes. Pinnacle gets 120,000 metric tonnes, while Bono will import 60,000 metric tonnes.
This comes despite earlier claims by the regulator that the Dangote refinery now supplies over 90 percent of Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption. Industry players say the fresh imports could improve nationwide fuel availability and ensure stable depot supply, especially as demand rises.
Critics argue that continued fuel importation weakens local refining efforts and may discourage investment in domestic production. The issue has remained a major source of tension between Dangote and regulators.
Dangote had repeatedly accused former NMDPRA leadership of issuing excessive import licences despite the refinery’s capacity to meet local demand. He warned that persistent approvals for imports could force the refinery to focus more on exports rather than local supply.
Earlier in the year, the NMDPRA stated that it did not issue any petrol import licence in the first quarter of 2026, insisting local refining capacity was sufficient. But a top official later clarified that there was never a total ban on fuel importation. The official explained that combining imported fuel with locally refined products helps prevent supply shortages and ensures market stability.
The latest cargo arrivals suggest that while Dangote Refinery remains a major player, imported fuel will continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s petroleum market for now.