Petrol imports remained Nigeria’s main source of fuel in 2025, accounting for about 62 per cent of total petrol consumption, despite increased production from local refineries, especially the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that Nigerians consumed about 18.97 billion litres of petrol in 2025. Of this amount, oil marketers imported roughly 11.85 billion litres, while local refineries supplied about 7.54 billion litres, representing 37.5 per cent of total consumption.
Although domestic refining improved during the year, imports continued to dominate due to factors such as gradual refinery ramp-up, crude supply challenges, logistics issues, and changes in demand after fuel price deregulation. Dangote Refinery was responsible for almost all locally produced petrol and supplied an average of 17 to 32 million litres daily, depending on the month.
Petrol consumption fluctuated throughout the year, rising from 1.60 billion litres in January to a peak of 1.97 billion litres in December. Imports followed the same pattern and remained higher than local supply in most months. December recorded the strongest domestic performance, with local refineries supplying 992 million litres, compared to imports of 1.31 billion litres.
Despite claims by some industry players that Nigeria no longer needs petrol imports, experts say imports are still necessary to cover supply gaps and manage risks such as demand surges and refinery disruptions. Analysts agree that while local refining has improved significantly, Nigeria has not yet reached a point where imports can be completely eliminated.
Experts recommend focusing on reducing import dependence rather than claiming full self-sufficiency, noting that stable fuel supply depends on strong infrastructure, adequate crude supply, sound regulation, and market competition.
