Petrol imports crash 30% as daily consumption hits 44.4m litres
Nigeria's petrol imports plummeted 30% to 10.2 million litres daily in September 2026 while consumption surged 7% to 44.4 million litres, NMDPRA data released Thursday shows. Petrol receipts dropped 23% to 38.7 million litres per day from August's 50.5 million, widening the supply gap.
Daily diesel consumption reached 14.5 million litres, aviation fuel 3.0 million litres, and LPG 5.2 kilotonnes. The regulator's X post confirms the divergence—Nigerians are using more fuel while less enters the country.
Petrol prices dipped slightly in September before climbing again in October, tracking the supply squeeze. With Dangote Refinery's output still ramping up and NNPC's import obligations unmet, the shortfall persists.
For motorists and businesses, this means continued price volatility and potential scarcity. Transport costs already reflect the strain—commercial operators adjust fares weekly.
Will the supply gap narrow once local refining hits full stride, or should you budget for sustained premium prices through year-end?