Nigeria imported about two million barrels of crude oil from Libya in May 2026, marking the country’s first recorded purchase of Libyan crude as domestic refineries continue to grapple with inadequate local feedstock.
Data from Libya’s Energy Research Unit showed that Nigeria received an average of 64,500 barrels per day during the month, making it the first documented import of Libyan crude by Nigeria since available records began in 2013.
The development comes as local refiners increasingly turn to foreign suppliers because a large share of Nigeria’s crude production is still being exported, leaving limited volumes for domestic processing.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is believed to be the main recipient of the Libyan crude. The refinery has been expanding its crude sourcing strategy to sustain operations as it increases production capacity.
Discussions between the refinery and Libyan authorities over crude supply first emerged in 2024 but were denied at the time by Libya’s National Oil Corporation, which insisted it had not entered into negotiations with any Nigerian refinery and remained committed to its existing international contracts.
Recent imports, however, suggest that crude supplies from Libya have now commenced. In addition to Libyan crude, the refinery has sourced cargoes from Angola, Ghana, Guyana and, more recently, the United Arab Emirates as it seeks reliable feedstock from multiple international markets.
Industry analysts say the refinery’s growing crude demand is expected to increase further as it pursues plans to raise processing capacity beyond its current level.
Meanwhile, figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria indicate that the country produced about 216.85 million barrels of crude oil between January and May 2026, with roughly 148.9 million barrels exported during the period. This means nearly 69 per cent of total production was shipped overseas, leaving a smaller portion available for domestic refining and other local needs.
The continued export of large crude volumes has been a major concern for local refiners, who have repeatedly called for improved implementation of the domestic crude supply obligation to guarantee adequate feedstock for Nigerian refineries.
Global oil market shifts have also influenced recent trade patterns. Supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East have created opportunities for Libyan crude to gain a stronger foothold in African and European markets.
Besides Nigeria, countries such as Egypt and Tunisia have increased purchases of Libyan crude this year, while Italy remains Libya’s largest export destination, followed by Greece, Spain and Turkey.
The latest import highlights the growing reliance of Nigerian refiners on overseas crude supplies despite the country’s status as one of Africa’s leading oil producers.
