Nigeria’s petrol imports have reached 2.3 billion litres between September 11 and December 5, 2024, despite the commencement of operations at Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries.
This data, provided by the Nigerian Ports Authority, highlights ongoing fuel imports, even as the nation pushes for self-sufficiency in refined petroleum.
Both the Dangote Refinery, with a daily production capacity of 650,000 barrels, and the Port Harcourt Refinery began producing and distributing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in mid and late September and November 2024, respectively.
Despite these developments, imports have continued. 
According to the Nigerian Ports Authority, in the last three days alone, 52,000 metric tonnes of petrol were imported, which equates to 68.74 million litres of fuel.
These shipments arrived at Lagos’ Apapa Port, Tin Can Port, and the Calabar Port in Cross River State.
On December 3, 2024, the vessel Binta Saleh delivered 15.86 million litres of petrol to Apapa Port. The ship was handled by Blue Seas Maritime at the Bulk Oil Plant terminal.
The following day, the Shamal delivered 26.44 million litres via Tin Can Port, managed by Peak Shipping Agency. Additionally, another shipment from the Watson vessel is expected to arrive at Calabar Port today, bringing in another 26.44 million litres.
This steady influx of imported fuel comes despite the announcement of an agreement between the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Dangote Refinery, allowing direct petrol sales from the refinery.
The Nigerian government’s policy shift in October 2024 allowed marketers to source petrol directly from Dangote, marking the end of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s sole control over its distribution.
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