154.2 million litres of imported petrol arrive Nigeria this week despite Dangote Refinery supply

Nigeria is set to receive about 115,000 metric tonnes of imported Premium Motor Spirit, equivalent to roughly 154.2 million litres, this week as five fuel-laden vessels prepare to dock at ports in Lagos and Calabar. The imports are coming despite increased local refining, including the Dangote Refinery's renewed sale of petrol in naira.

Marketers say they are still importing fuel to ensure adequate supply and take advantage of favourable market prices under Nigeria's deregulated downstream petroleum market.

Vessel schedule and cargo breakdown

The latest shipping schedule released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) shows that four of the five vessels will discharge their cargoes at the KLT Phase 3A terminal in Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, while one vessel is expected at the North West Petroleum & Gas terminal in Calabar.

The vessel LESTE is scheduled to arrive on Monday with 30,000 metric tonnes of PMS. BORA will deliver 10,000 metric tonnes on the same day. On Tuesday, ST ILHAAM is expected to berth with another 30,000 metric tonnes, followed by STELLAR on Wednesday carrying an additional 30,000 metric tonnes of petrol. In Calabar, the vessel SL AREMU is scheduled to discharge 15,000 metric tonnes of PMS on Tuesday.

The shipping schedule also lists STELLAR as one of the vessels expected at the Dangote terminal in Lekki Deep Sea Port, with an arrival date of July 24.

Conversion to litres and local refining context

Using the industry conversion rate of approximately 1,341 litres per metric tonne, the combined cargo from the five vessels amounts to about 154.2 million litres of petrol. Each of the three vessels carrying 30,000 metric tonnes will deliver about 40.23 million litres of PMS. BORA's 10,000-metric-tonne cargo translates to roughly 13.41 million litres, while SL AREMU's 15,000-metric-tonne shipment is estimated at approximately 20.12 million litres.

The development comes shortly after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery resumed selling petrol in naira, accusing some fuel importers of withholding supplies in anticipation of possible price increases. Recent industry data also indicate that while local refining output has increased, imported petrol continues to contribute to Nigeria's overall fuel supply, reflecting the ongoing transition toward greater domestic production.

Depot prices fall across major hubs

Meanwhile, petrol depot prices fell across major hubs in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri as depot owners reduced ex-depot loading rates. Bulk Strategic, Sigmund, Optima, Matrix and other depots cut prices by between N5 and N25 per litre. The reductions follow recent retail price cuts by NNPC and Dangote Refinery partner stations, adding more downward pressure on fuel costs.

Industry stakeholders have maintained that imports remain necessary to promote market competition, guarantee adequate supply and ensure product availability across the country. For Nigerian consumers, the continued inflow of imported petrol alongside growing local refining capacity could help keep pump prices in check, though the naira's exchange rate and global crude prices remain key factors to watch.