By Maryam Shuaibu
Nigeria’s petrol imports surged by 207 per cent in June, even as domestic supply declined sharply, signalling renewed reliance on imported fuel despite ongoing efforts to boost local refining.
Data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that average daily Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) imports rose from 5.9 million litres in May to 18.1 million litres in June, representing a 206.8 per cent month-on-month increase.
At the same time, domestic petrol receipts fell by 21.7 per cent, dropping from 41.5 million litres per day in May to 32.5 million litres per day in June.
The figures, contained in the regulator’s June 2026 Fact Sheet obtained by Clockwise Reports, mark a reversal from the trend recorded earlier this year when locally refined petrol accounted for the bulk of supplies.
Despite the decline in domestic production, total petrol receipts increased from 47.4 million litres per day in May to 50.6 million litres in June, as higher imports offset the shortfall in local supply.
“The increase was driven by a 207 per cent surge in imports, even as domestic supply fell by 22 per cent,” the NMDPRA said.
Nigeria began 2026 with stronger domestic refining capacity. In January, local refineries supplied 40.1 million litres of petrol daily, accounting for nearly 62 per cent of total supply, while imports averaged 24.8 million litres per day.
Although imports fell sharply in the following months, June recorded a significant rebound, indicating that imported fuel remains an important buffer whenever domestic supply weakens.
Compared to January, domestic petrol supply in June declined by 7.6 million litres per day, while imports, though still lower than January’s level, rose substantially from May’s figures.
The report also showed that crude oil deliveries to domestic refineries increased during the month.
Average crude receipts rose from 578,000 barrels per day in May to 632,000 barrels per day in June, representing a 9.3 per cent increase.
However, the higher crude supply did not translate into increased domestic petrol availability, suggesting that refinery operations, maintenance schedules, product yields or evacuation logistics may have influenced output.
Consumption, Stocks Improve
Average daily petrol consumption increased slightly from 46.3 million litres in May to 47.4 million litres in June, a rise of 2.4 per cent.
The country’s petrol stock position also improved, with stock sufficiency increasing from 16.2 days in May to 19.7 days in June, providing a stronger supply buffer despite greater dependence on imports.
The improvement comes as Nigeria continues to navigate the post-subsidy era, where supply stability and pricing remain closely watched by consumers and industry operators.
The NMDPRA data also revealed a sharp rise in imports of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.
Daily LPG imports increased from 0.1 kilotonnes in May to 1.5 kilotonnes in June, representing a 1,400 per cent increase, while domestic LPG supply fell by 10 per cent.
Overall LPG receipts rose by 24.4 per cent, although daily consumption declined slightly during the month.
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Diesel, also known as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), recorded lower domestic supply, falling by 13.8 per cent to 16.2 million litres per day. However, diesel consumption remained stable, while stock sufficiency improved from 31 days to 37.1 days.
Supply of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), commonly known as aviation fuel, also declined, dropping by 30.6 per cent, while consumption recorded a modest decrease.
Meanwhile, domestic gas supply increased marginally from 4.984 billion standard cubic feet per day in May to 5.116 billion standard cubic feet per day in June as efforts continued to expand gas availability for power generation and industrial use.
Mixed Outlook
The June figures highlight the continuing transition of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
While local refining remains central to the country’s energy strategy, the latest data shows that imports continue to play a critical role whenever domestic production declines.
The report also illustrates that increased crude supply to refineries does not necessarily result in higher petrol output, underscoring the operational complexities within the downstream petroleum industry.