Nigeria’s petrol imports declined to 1.31 billion litres in December 2025, as increased output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery boosted local supply, according to data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The data showed that while imports remained significant, domestic refining made a stronger contribution during the month. Total petrol supply rose to about 2.3 billion litres, up from 2.15 billion litres in November, reflecting higher fuel consumption during the Yuletide season.
On a daily basis, petrol supply averaged 74.2 million litres in December. Imported fuel accounted for 42.2 million litres per day, while the Dangote refinery supplied approximately 32 million litres per day.
This marked an improvement from November, when imports averaged 52.1 million litres per day and Dangote supplied 19.5 million litres per day.
In November 2025, Nigeria imported about 1.57 billion litres of petrol, while domestic supply stood at 585 million litres, making December’s figures a notable shift toward local production. The Dangote refinery remains the only petrol-producing refinery in the country as of the period under review.
Despite the increase in local output, some marketers continued to rely on imported petrol. The NMDPRA has previously justified the issuance of import licences, citing supply gaps recorded in September and October 2025, when local production fell below national demand.
According to the regulator, Dangote refinery supplied 17.6 million litres per day in September, while imports stood at 22.1 million litres per day, necessitating additional fuel imports to stabilise supply nationwide.
The issue has drawn criticism from Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, who accused the former leadership of the NMDPRA of approving excessive fuel import licences at a time when refinery storage tanks were full. He argued that such actions discouraged local refining and negatively affected the economy.
In December, the Dangote refinery intensified competition in the fuel market by reducing its gantry price, pushing pump prices down to around N739 per litre from about N900. The company said the move was aimed at easing fuel costs during the festive period and discouraging importation.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Dangote refinery, David Bird, disclosed that the facility has commenced 24-hour loading operations to sustain nationwide petrol supply. He said the refinery is now producing and evacuating over 50 million litres of petrol daily, supported by night-time loading and improved logistics.
Industry data also indicate that the landing cost of imported petrol remains higher than locally refined fuel. While Dangote’s ex-depot price has stayed at N699 per litre, the landing cost of imported petrol has fluctuated between N750 and N780 per litre, putting pressure on importers and intensifying competition in the downstream market.
Analysts say sustained growth in local refining could further reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petrol imports if supported by consistent policy and efficient distribution.
