16, April 2026
Nigeria’s petrol supply saw a slight uptick in March 2026, reaching 40.1 million litres per day (ml/d), up from 39.5 ml/d in February 2026.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) revealed this in its latest factsheet on the state of the midstream and downstream sector.
This modest increase was driven by a rise in imports, which contributed 5.9 ml/d, while domestic supply accounted for 34.2 ml/d.
Nigeria’s petrol imports rose to 5.9ml/d in March, contributing to the country’s overall supply. This increase in imports (up from 3ml/d in Feb) came despite a limited number of import licences issued, suggesting importers are bridging supply gaps. Domestic supply stood at 34.2ml/d.
Data shows supply improved slightly in March, with Nigeria relying heavily on Dangote refinery’s output amidst global oil market pressures driving up refined product prices.
The Dangote Refinery produced 48.2 ml/d in March, with an average capacity utilisation of 93.62%, but its contribution to domestic supply declined for the third consecutive month.
Petrol imports nearly doubled to 5.9 ml/d in March from 3 ml/d in February, indicating a measured re-entry of importers into the market to bridge supply gap
Domestic consumption eased significantly to 47.3 ml/d in March from 56.9 ml/d in February, suggesting a relative easing of market pressure.
Average pump prices remained high, at ₦1,249.01/l in Lagos, ₦1,286.81/l in Abuja, and ₦1,280.43/l in Enugu.
Supply-Demand Gap
A supply-demand gap was recorded, with total PMS supply falling short of consumption, signaling potential strain on inventories and distribution channels.
On a year-on-year basis, Nigeria’s average daily PMS supply declined sharply to 40.1 ml/d in March 2026 from 51.6 ml/d in March 2025, representing a drop of 11.5 ml/d, or about 22.3%.
Nigeria’s petrol supply improved slightly in March, increasing to 40.1 million litres per day from 39.5 million litres per day in February.
This modest recovery was largely driven by a surge in petrol imports, which helped offset a decline in domestic supply from the Dangote Refinery.
The Dangote Refinery’s output has been a game-changer for Nigeria, positioning the country as a net exporter of petrol for the first time, with a surplus of about 3,000 barrels per day. The refinery’s production has also led to a significant reduction in petrol imports, which dropped sharply to 41,000 barrels per day in March, the lowest level on record.
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