Nigeria cuts petrol imports as local refineries ramp up production
Nigeria has reduced petrol imports by 29.9 million litres in just eight months, thanks to a major boost in local production, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Daily petrol imports fell from 44.6 million litres in August 2024 to just 14.7 million litres by mid-April 2025. This drop is due to a 670% increase in local production, with refineries now producing 26.2 million litres daily. The turnaround began when the Port Harcourt Refinery resumed operations in November 2024, supported by small refineries across the country.
Despite fewer imports, Nigeria’s petrol supply has mostly stayed above the 50 million litres daily demand — though it dipped to 40.9 million litres in early April.
NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed called on Nigerians, from leaders to local communities, to help protect oil infrastructure. He also assured the agency would remain transparent and accountable in regulating the sector.
