Yuletide: FG approves fresh imports of 830,000MT petrol - Punch Newspapers

The Federal Government has approved the importation of 830,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, for the fourth quarter of 2026, ahead of the Yuletide period. The latest approval by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority comes as the country’s petrol market continues to rely on a combination of locally refined products and imports to meet domestic demand. Sources in the midstream and downstream sector told The PUNCH that the regulator signed the permits mid-month. According to Petroleumprice.ng, the Q4 import permits were granted to six major petroleum marketers, namely Matrix Energy, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, NIPCO, Pinnacle Oil and Bono Energy. The six companies have remained the major beneficiaries of the regulator’s petrol import programme since the beginning of the year. In the first quarter, the companies were granted a combined 180,000 metric tonnes of import permits, while the allocation rose to 720,000MT in the second quarter. The Q3 allocation was subsequently increased to more than 800,000MT, with the same six companies among the approved importers. The latest 830,000MT approval comes as the Federal Government seeks to maintain adequate petrol supply during the final quarter of the year, which includes the Christmas and New Year festivities when demand for petroleum products typically rises.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The development is also coming amid increased domestic refining capacity, particularly with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery supplying petrol to the Nigerian market. The latest import approvals have, however, revived concerns over the continued issuance of petrol import permits as local refining capacity expands. Dangote refinery is currently challenging the continued issuance and renewal of petroleum product import licences by the NMDPRA. The refinery has asked the Federal High Court to nullify import licences issued by the regulator in circumstances where it argues that domestic supply is sufficient. The case is scheduled for further hearing on October 7, 2026. Dangote, marketers cut petrol prices as crude falls Ethica offers digital access to Dangote refinery IPO Govt threatens licence revocation over fuel under-dispensing The fresh permits also come amid reported changes in Dangote refinery’s distribution arrangements, with industry information indicating that the refinery has restricted the sale of its petroleum products to independent marketers. Meanwhile, the volume approved for importation represents a significant increase from the allocation made earlier in the year. Despite this, Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol has fallen significantly as local refineries increase production. Data attributed to the NMDPRA showed that domestic refineries supplied about 76.7 per cent of Nigeria’s total petrol supply in the first quarter of 2026, while petrol imports fell by about 60 per cent year-on-year to approximately 965.5 million litres. The latest approval means imported petrol will remain part of Nigeria’s supply mix through the final quarter, alongside products from domestic refineries. With the Yuletide period approaching, the 830,000MT import allocation is expected to provide additional supply capacity for the downstream market as marketers prepare for increased petrol consumption. But the Dangote Refinery said it has enough for local consumption and exports. Dare Olawin Dare Olawin is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of reporting experience. He began his career as a community reporter and now covers the energy sector, including oil, gas, electricity, and renewables. Dare’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, professional development through workshops and conferences, and a strong commitment to accurate and insightful journalism.

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