Nigeria’s petrol imports rose by 207 per cent in June 2026, marking a sharp increase after months of stronger domestic refining, according to data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The authority’s petrol supply data for the first half of 2026 showed that local refineries remained the main source of supply from February to May, but imports surged in June following a significant decline in domestic production.
In January, petrol imports averaged 24.8 million litres per day (ml/d), accounting for 38.2 per cent of the total daily supply of 64.9ml/d, while local refineries supplied 40.1ml/d, representing 61.8 per cent.
Imports fell sharply in February to 3.0ml/d, or 9.3 per cent of total supply, as domestic production rose to 29.4ml/d, accounting for 90.7 per cent of the 32.4ml/d supplied daily.
In March, imports increased slightly to 5.9ml/d, making up 14.7 per cent of total supply, while domestic refineries supplied 34.2ml/d, or 85.3 per cent.
The trend continued in April, with imports averaging 3.7ml/d (8.3 per cent) and local supply reaching 40.7ml/d, accounting for 91.7 per cent of the combined 44.4ml/d daily supply.
In May, imports remained at 5.9ml/d, representing 12.4 per cent of supply, while domestic production increased to 41.5ml/d, or 87.6 per cent of the 47.4ml/d total.
However, the pattern changed in June, when imports climbed to 18.1ml/d, accounting for 35.8 per cent of the country’s total petrol supply of 50.6ml/d. At the same time, domestic supply fell to 32.5ml/d, representing 64.2 per cent of total supply.
The June figures indicate a 207 per cent month-on-month increase in petrol imports, while domestic supply declined by 21.7 per cent compared with May.
Overall, the data show that Nigeria depended largely on locally refined petrol between February and May, with domestic production contributing more than 85 per cent of supply during that period. January and June recorded the highest reliance on imports.
The increase in imports comes despite the Federal Government’s drive to boost local refining and achieve energy self-sufficiency.
Industry reports also suggest that crude oil supply challenges affecting domestic refiners, including the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery, may have contributed to the decline in local production, with the refinery reportedly sourcing crude at international market prices.
