Despite Refinery Gains, Nigeria’s Petrol Imports Climb 59.5% In May

Nigeria’s petrol imports rose sharply in May 2026, increasing by 59.5 per cent month-on-month despite continued gains in domestic refining output, according to fresh industry data.

Figures released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that average daily imports of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) climbed to 5.9 million litres per day in May, up from 3.7 million litres per day recorded in April.

The increase reflects a renewed reliance on imported fuel by marketers, even as local refineries expanded their contribution to national supply.

Total petrol supply in the country also rose during the period, increasing by 6.8 per cent to 47.4 million litres per day in May from 44.4 million litres per day in April.

Domestic refineries remained the dominant source of petrol supply, accounting for 41.5 million litres per day, about 88 per cent of total national consumption, while imports made up the remaining 5.9 million litres per day.

Despite the rise in imports, Nigeria’s local refining sector continued to show strong performance, driven largely by private operators. The Dangote Refinery led output, supplying 41.5 million litres per day in May, up from 40.7 million litres per day in April.

The refinery reportedly operated at an average capacity utilisation rate of 101.25 per cent, achieving full output on most operating days.

Other private refineries also contributed to supply.

WalterSmith Refinery recorded 65.31 per cent capacity utilisation, while Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals operated at 91.66 per cent. Aradel Refinery posted 62.94 per cent utilisation.

However, state-owned refineries in Warri and Kaduna remained inactive during the period, despite ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

On the crude supply side, deliveries to domestic refineries declined by 5.6 per cent, averaging 578,000 barrels per day in May compared to 612,000 barrels per day in April.

The data highlights a mixed transition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, where rising domestic refining capacity has yet to fully eliminate dependence on imports.

A month-by-month review shows fluctuating import patterns in early 2026. Imports stood at 24.8 million litres per day in January, dropped sharply to 3 million litres in February, rose again to 5.9 million litres in March, and eased to 3.7 million litres in April before the latest increase in May.

Despite the month-on-month rise, import levels remain significantly lower than earlier in the year, suggesting a gradual structural shift toward domestic refining dominance.

The development comes amid broader efforts to boost local refining capacity and reduce Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported petroleum products.