Nigeria’s fuel market may witness improved supply stability following the approval of petrol import permits for six depot owners and petroleum marketers by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Industry sources revealed that the regulator recently issued the permits as part of efforts by the Federal Government to maintain balance and competition in the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
According to insiders familiar with the development, each approved importer has been authorised to bring in about 30,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)—commonly known as petrol.
Analysts say the move is designed to guarantee supply stability while the domestic refining sector continues to expand.
The approvals come at a time when supply in the local market is largely dominated by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which supplied an estimated 92 percent of Nigeria’s petrol demand in February.
Industry figures show that local refining provided an average of 36.5 million litres of petrol daily during the month, while imports contributed roughly 3 million litres per day, bringing the total national supply to about 39.5 million litres daily.
At present, the Dangote refinery remains the only operational facility in Nigeria producing petrol, while most modular refineries across the country are largely focused on diesel production.
Energy experts say the latest permits could help prevent supply bottlenecks and encourage market flexibility, particularly during periods of refinery maintenance, logistics disruptions or spikes in demand.
A senior industry insider familiar with regulatory developments disclosed that, until recently, no petrol import permits had been issued under the current NMDPRA leadership, making the new approvals significant.
Observers believe the move signals a possible policy shift aimed at preserving supply diversity, even as Nigeria pushes for greater reliance on locally refined petroleum products.
The decision is also viewed as a precautionary measure to ensure that the country’s fuel distribution network remains resilient while the domestic refining landscape evolves.
Stakeholders note that while local refining capacity is expected to grow in the coming years, controlled importation remains an important buffer to prevent shortages and price volatility.
Market analysts further argue that allowing limited imports alongside domestic production could help stabilise pump prices and improve product availability nationwide.
The development comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector aimed at strengthening regulation, encouraging investment and ensuring energy security.
With demand for petrol remaining high across Africa’s most populous nation, industry watchers say the balance between local production and strategic importation will continue to shape the future of the downstream petroleum market.
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