19/01/2026
Petrol imports remained Nigeria’s dominant fuel source in 2025, accounting for 62.47% of total Premium Motor Spirit consumption, despite increased output from domestic refineries, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, according to NMDPRA data. Total petrol consumption stood at about 18.97 billion litres, with oil marketers importing 11.85 billion litres, while domestic refineries supplied 7.54 billion litres (37.53%).
Although local refining improved steadily during the year, imports remained dominant due to the gradual ramp-up of refinery operations, crude supply arrangements, logistics constraints, and demand fluctuations following the full deregulation of petrol pricing.
Dangote refinery accounted for virtually all domestic PMS supply in 2025, delivering about 7.53 billion litres, close to its annual benchmark. However, regulators expect petrol imports to decline from 2026 if the Federal Government implements a planned 15% import tariff aimed at boosting local refining and reducing foreign dependence.
