Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported about 1.46 billion litres of gasoline blendstock between January and May 2026 to support petrol production, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The regulator’s report showed the refinery used the imported feedstocks alongside crude oil supplies to maintain strong production levels, producing an average of 44.7 million litres of petrol daily in May.

The refinery recorded an average capacity utilisation of 101.25 per cent during the month, while supplying about 41.5 million litres of petrol per day to the domestic market.

NMDPRA data also showed that the refinery increased its blendstock imports in April and May after three months of decline, suggesting stronger feedstock purchases as production activities expanded.

Energy expert, Professor Dayo Ayoade of the University of Lagos, said importing gasoline blendstocks is a common global refining practice used to improve fuel quality, optimise refinery operations and increase output. He noted, however, that continued imports could have foreign exchange implications for the country.

The report added that Dangote Refinery remains Nigeria’s major operational refining hub, with the state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna still inactive as of May 2026.