Oil marketers say the resumption of petrol and diesel import licences by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is a practical step to prevent supply disruptions as local refineries struggle to meet national demand.
Industry players insist the decision is driven by market realities rather than any attempt to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
They argue that while domestic refining capacity has expanded, output remains inconsistent, making imports necessary to stabilise supply and avoid scarcity.
The News Chronicle gathered that the current focus of regulators and marketers is ensuring predictable fuel availability, especially as the Dangote Refinery undergoes a major expansion that has affected its ability to fully cover domestic needs.
Stakeholders say a limited and well-regulated import window keeps the downstream market liquid while refineries scale up operations.
Market sources note that Nigeria’s fuel consumption leaves little margin for supply shocks, as maintenance downtime or logistics challenges can quickly translate into shortages. In that context, importation is being viewed as a buffer rather than a reversal of the country’s refining policy.
Speculation about renewed imports intensified after reports that fresh licences could be issued from mid February 2026, marking the first approvals this year.
The move follows concerns about potential tightening of fuel supply after delays linked to leadership changes at the regulator.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery maintains it does not import finished petrol or diesel, stating that it only brings in semi-processed feedstocks that are refined locally.
