The Federal Government has approved a new round of petrol and diesel imports for the third quarter of 2026 to prevent fuel shortages and maintain stable supplies across the country.

The approvals, issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), cover the July–September period and were granted to major fuel marketers, including AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono Energy, Nipco, Matrix Energy and Pinnacle Oil.

According to industry sources, the decision was influenced by declining fuel stock levels and lower petrol production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has been carrying out maintenance on one of its key gasoline-producing units.

AA Rano and Matrix Energy were each approved to import 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol, while AYM Shafa and Pinnacle Oil received permits for 120,000 metric tonnes and 150,000 metric tonnes, respectively. Several of the companies also received approvals to import diesel.

Regulatory sources said the permits were issued to address projected supply gaps, with total petrol import volumes expected to exceed 800,000 metric tonnes, surpassing the quantity approved in the previous quarter.

Data cited by industry sources showed that Nigeria’s petrol stock coverage fell to 16 days in May, while diesel stock coverage declined to 31 days, prompting authorities to take measures aimed at preventing supply disruptions.

The approvals underscore the continued role of fuel imports in Nigeria’s energy market despite growing domestic refining capacity. Authorities maintain that imports remain necessary whenever local production is insufficient to meet demand or when refineries undergo maintenance.