By Seun Ibiyemi
Nigeria’s importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, surged by 96.7 per cent in March 2026, even as domestic supply recorded a steady increase, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The data highlights evolving dynamics in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, where increased fuel imports are occurring alongside improvements in local refining capacity.
According to the regulator’s March fact sheet, petrol import volumes rose significantly from 3.0 million litres per day in February to 5.9 million litres per day in March.
At the same time, domestic supply increased from 30.5 million litres per day to 34.2 million litres per day.
Overall, total daily petrol supply recorded a marginal rise from 39.5 million litres to 40.1 million litres within the same period.
However, petrol consumption declined notably, dropping from 56.9 million litres per day in February to 47.3 million litres per day in March, suggesting a possible shift in demand patterns amid changing market conditions.
Despite the sharp rise in imports, domestic production continued to account for the bulk of fuel supply, reflecting gradual gains in local refining capacity.
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Nigeria’s downstream sector has witnessed significant policy adjustments in recent months, particularly by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, aimed at strengthening energy security while promoting domestic refining.
The regulator had earlier restricted the issuance of petrol import licences to encourage local production, following increased output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
However, import licences were later reinstated to prevent supply disruptions during the transition period.
