Nigeria’s petrol imports increased by 207% in June — NMDPRA report

Nigeria witnessed a 207 per cent increase in petrol imports to 18.1 million litres per day in June 2026, up from 5.9 million litres per day in May, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Within the period, domestic Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply fell by 22 per cent.

The surge in petrol imports marked a near return to January 2026, when marketers brought in as much as 24.8 million litres per day.

On the domestic front, supply from the Dangote Refinery declined from a record 41.5 million litres per day in May to 32.5 million litres per day in June.

This represents a decline of 9 million litres.

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Despite these opposing supply movements, total petrol supply into the market remained relatively stable at 50.6 million litres per day in June, representing an increase of 3.2 million litres per day.

In June, the Dangote Refinery operated at a slightly higher 101.36 per cent capacity utilisation, yet produced 39.1 million litres per day of petrol, down from 44.7 million litres per day recorded in May when utilisation stood at 101.25 per cent.

Out of the June output, 32.5 million litres per day was supplied to the domestic market, while 3.4 million litres per day was exported as of June 30.

According to the report, this contrasts sharply with May, when virtually the entire 41.5 million litres per day production was absorbed locally, with zero importation recorded during the period.

Total PMS receipts, according to the report, rose from 47.4 million litres per day in May to 50.6 million litres per day in June.

“Domestic daily receipts include DPRP gantry and all coastal evacuation receipts. Consumption data is based on volumes trucked out from all facilities into the domestic market,” it read.

The June shift, lower production, reduced domestic supply, and the re-emergence of exports coincided with the resurgence in imports, suggesting a recalibration in market allocation, logistics, or commercial strategy rather than a simple decline in refining capability.