Competition in Nigeria's downstream oil sector is intensifying as marketers prepare to receive at least 164,000 metric tonnes of imported petroleum products across major ports, despite claims that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet most of the country's fuel demand. The incoming cargoes, comprising petrol and diesel, are expected to strengthen supply nationwide and provide fresh competition for Aliko Dangote's refinery, especially after recent adjustments in ex-depot fuel prices.
Shipments Include Diesel and Petrol
According to the Daily Shipping Position obtained on Sunday, the shipments include 82,000 metric tonnes of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, and 81,882 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol. Eight vessels are set to discharge at ports in Lagos, Delta, and Cross River states, with Lagos receiving the largest share of the products.
Four diesel vessels are scheduled for the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) in Lagos. The vessel HUDSON arrived at KLT Phase 2 on May 8 carrying 25,000 metric tonnes of diesel, while ALINDA berthed at KLT Phase 3A the same day with 10,000 metric tonnes. Another vessel, PINARELLO, arrived on May 9 with 20,000 metric tonnes of diesel, and LESTE was scheduled for May 10 with an additional 27,000 metric tonnes.
For petrol imports, UM BALWA is expected at KLT Phase 3A with 32,000 metric tonnes of PMS. At Koko Port in Warri, AFRICAN MARVEL is scheduled to deliver 20,000 metric tonnes, while KINGIS is expected at the AYM Shafa terminal with 15,000 metric tonnes. In Calabar, SL AREMU is billed to berth with 14,882 metric tonnes of petrol for importer North West.
NMDPRA Approves More Petrol Imports
The development follows fresh approvals by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which reportedly issued licences to six marketers to import 720,000 metric tonnes of petrol. The approved marketers include NIPCO Plc, AA Rano, Matrix Energy Group, Shafa Energy, Pinnacle Oil and Gas, and Bono Energy. A breakdown of the approvals shows NIPCO and Shafa are each expected to import 120,000MT, Matrix and AA Rano will each bring in 150,000MT, Pinnacle gets 120,000MT, and Bono will import 60,000MT. This comes despite earlier claims by the regulator that the Dangote refinery now supplies over 90 per cent of Nigeria's daily petrol consumption.
Debate Over Importation Continues
Industry players say the fresh imports could improve nationwide fuel availability and ensure stable depot supply, especially as demand rises across the country. However, critics argue that continued fuel importation weakens local refining efforts and may discourage investment in domestic production. Earlier in the year, the NMDPRA stated that it did not issue any petrol import licence in the first quarter of 2026, insisting local refining capacity, especially from Dangote Refinery, was sufficient. But a top official later clarified that there was never a total ban on fuel importation, stressing that Nigeria's energy security remains the top priority. The official explained that combining imported fuel with locally refined products helps prevent supply shortages and ensures market stability.
Dangote and Regulators Continue Face-Off
The issue has remained a major source of tension between Dangote and regulators. Dangote had repeatedly accused former NMDPRA leadership of issuing excessive import licences despite the refinery's capacity to meet local demand. He also warned that persistent approvals for imports could force the refinery to focus more on exports rather than local supply. The latest cargo arrivals suggest that while Dangote Refinery remains a major player, imported fuel will continue to play a significant role in Nigeria's petroleum market for now.
Dangote Refinery Suspends Petrol Price Hike
There is fresh relief in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector after the Dangote Refinery suspended its planned increase in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The refinery had earlier moved to raise its gantry loading price by 75 naira per litre, triggering concerns among marketers and consumers over the possibility of another nationwide fuel price increase. However, industry sources confirmed that the adjustment was later withdrawn, with the ex-depot rate returning to 1,275 naira per litre.
