Talk of fresh petrol imports started as quiet industry whispers across Nigeria’s downstream sector.
However, oil marketers say the move keeps supplies steady.
Petrol Imports Return To Stabilise Supply
They said the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority resumed petrol and diesel import licences to close supply gaps.
According to them, the decision reflects supply realities and does not reverse domestic refining plans.
Expansion Limits Local Output
Local refineries still cannot meet Nigeria’s total fuel demand.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is undergoing a major expansion, which limits its supply capacity.
Industry stakeholders say the refinery cannot yet meet national demand alone.
One senior downstream operator said the upgrade could last up to three years, as the company increases capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day.
Until then, he warned, the refinery cannot cover full national demand.
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Oil marketer Ibrahim Gambo described the import licences as a gap-management decision.
He said the move protects Nigeria’s domestic refining ambitions while keeping the market supplied.
Costs And Market Pressures
According to him, fuel demand does not slow when refineries face technical or logistics challenges.
Maintenance issues or crude supply constraints can quickly trigger shortages, so imports serve as a necessary buffer.
Speculation about renewed imports grew after reports of new permits by mid-February.
If regulators approve them, they will become the first licences issued this year, after earlier approvals covered only domestic shortfalls.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery rejected claims that it imports finished fuel.
The company said it imports only unfinished feedstocks, then processes them locally into petrol and diesel.
Despite progress in local refining, Nigeria still depends on imports to fill supply gaps.
Industry analysts say coastal logistics can add about ₦75 per litre, which pushes pump prices higher.
