The Nigerian government is contemplating the resumption of petrol and diesel import approvals as early as mid-February, marking the first such permits issued in 2026.
The move comes after the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) temporarily halted new import licences to prioritize domestic refining capacity and limit imports to only necessary shortfalls.
According to industry sources, the NMDPRA may begin approving fresh import permits later this month or by early March at the latest. The decision aims to mitigate potential supply shortages and ensure stable fuel availability nationwide, particularly as domestic production ramps up but still faces logistical and evacuation challenges.
The development follows a period of restricted imports in early 2026, during which no new gasoline import permits were issued, as regulators sought to support local output from facilities like the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery has issued a stark warning about the risk of significantly higher fuel prices if marketers increasingly turn to costly coastal transportation methods for product distribution instead of more efficient gantry loading.
In a statement shared on X, the refinery highlighted that coastal logistics could add approximately ₦75 per litre to the final cost of petrol. If these additional expenses are passed on to consumers, pump prices could approach ₦1,000 per litre, potentially imposing an extra annual burden of about ₦1.75 trillion on the Nigerian economy.
The refinery emphasized that rising logistics costs represent a major threat to fuel affordability, even as Nigeria's domestic refining capacity grows. Dangote has consistently advocated for policies that bolster local production, including previous calls to restrict or ban fuel imports to protect indigenous refiners and reduce foreign exchange outflows.
The potential resumption of import approvals has reignited debates in the downstream sector. While some stakeholders argue it is necessary to safeguard against supply disruptions, others view it as potentially undermining investments in local refining infrastructure, including the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote facility, which has been boosting domestic supply and contributing to recent price moderation efforts.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing efforts to transition Nigeria toward greater self-sufficiency in petroleum products, including rehabilitation of state-owned refineries and expanded private refining operations. The government's balancing act between immediate supply security and long-term domestic production goals continues to draw close scrutiny from industry players, consumers, and economic analysts.
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