By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved fresh import permits for petrol and diesel for the third quarter of 2026 as authorities move to prevent potential fuel shortages and maintain market stability across the country.
According to a report published by global energy intelligence firm Argus Media on Tuesday, the approvals were granted to major downstream operators following declining fuel stock levels and concerns over reduced gasoline production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The report stated that companies including AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono Energy, Nipco, Matrix Energy and Pinnacle Oil received permits to import Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, between July and September 2026.
It added that the same firms, except Nipco, were also authorised to import Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel, during the period.
The approvals come after the regulator issued an earlier batch of petrol import permits in May covering approximately 720,000 metric tonnes for the second quarter of the year.
Industry sources quoted by Argus said the latest permits were issued to avert anticipated supply shortages in the domestic fuel market.
“The permits were issued to head off projected shortfalls in supply,” a regulatory source reportedly told the publication, adding that the final volume of approved imports was still being determined and could exceed 800,000 metric tonnes of petrol.
According to the report, AA Rano and Matrix Energy each received approval to import 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol, while AYM Shafa secured approval for 120,000 metric tonnes and Pinnacle Oil obtained a permit for 150,000 metric tonnes.
For diesel imports, AYM Shafa was approved to bring in 60,000 metric tonnes, while Pinnacle received approval for 45,000 metric tonnes.
The latest approvals coincide with signs of tightening fuel inventories in the country. Data cited by Argus showed that petrol stock sufficiency declined by 1.7 days to 16 days in May, while diesel stock sufficiency dropped by eight days to 31 days over the same period.
Analysts say such declines typically prompt regulators to authorise additional imports to avoid disruptions in product availability.
The report linked the reduction in fuel stocks to lower gasoline production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos.
According to figures referenced by Argus, petrol production at the refinery declined by 16 per cent to 44.7 million litres per day, while diesel output increased by four per cent to 24.5 million litres daily.
Market participants attributed the lower petrol production to maintenance work on the refinery’s Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracker, one of its key gasoline-producing units.
The report further noted that falling international fuel prices could make imports more attractive to marketers.
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Eurobob gasoline benchmark prices reportedly averaged $946.25 per tonne in June, down from $1,128.50 per tonne in May, while offshore Lomé diesel prices fell to $1,093.50 per tonne from $1,409.25 per tonne during the same period.
Despite the fresh approvals, industry sources suggested that marketers may not fully utilise the approved import volumes.
Preliminary vessel-tracking data from Kpler indicated that independent marketers are expected to import about 354,000 metric tonnes of petrol during the current quarter, significantly below the volume approved under previous permit programmes.
The report attributed the gap partly to the delayed issuance of import permits, which reduced the time available for marketers to arrange cargoes and execute import plans.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is projected to import about 257,000 metric tonnes of gasoline during the current quarter, according to data cited by Argus.
Although the refinery operates within a free trade zone and does not require import permits to source foreign products, regulatory approval from the NMDPRA remains necessary before imported cargoes can be discharged into the Nigerian market.
The latest approvals highlight the continued importance of fuel imports in Nigeria’s energy supply chain despite growing domestic refining capacity.
While the Dangote refinery has significantly reduced the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products since commencing local supply, industry stakeholders maintain that imports remain necessary whenever domestic production falls short of demand or refineries undergo maintenance.
The NMDPRA has consistently maintained that import licences are issued only when required to guarantee energy security, maintain adequate stock levels and prevent fuel scarcity nationwide.
