The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued six new import licences for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), allowing about 180,000 metric tonnes into the country.
Nigeria has relaxed its gasoline import restrictions for the first time since October by issuing a round of new licenses to local marketers,
It reverses the earlier suspension of new licences in early March, which aimed to prioritize local production from the Dangote Refinery.
Reason for the Reversal
A senior NMDPRA official cited a sudden supply shortfall caused by geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East. The licences serve as a short-term buffer to prevent shortages.
Earlier, the regulator suspended new approvals because domestic output—led by the Dangote Refinery, which supplies up to 36.5 million liters daily—was meeting the national demand.
The new licences have drawn criticism from energy groups, who warn they could undermine local refining and permit substandard products.
Earlier this week, in an interview with the Punch newspaper, a senior official at the refinery who asked to remain anonymous revealed that the Nigerian government had issued fresh importation licenses, and the refinery would respond by exporting all its products.
“Well, since import licences are still being given, we will as well export all our productions,” the source disclosed.
Despite being reminded that the NMDPRA has denied issuing any fuel importation license, the anonymous source insisted that they had.
“I’m sure that you saw my president’s statement that at least six companies have been given import licences. I know for sure that import licences are still being granted,” the source held on.
Shedding more light on the debacle, the official stated, “If they know there will be fuel scarcity, why are they giving import licenses when the whole world is trying to protect their local industries?
Trump is fighting for the US, and the rest of the world is resisting him to protect their own industries. I know Nigeria cannot afford another energy scarcity, especially at a time when a global scarcity is building up because of the war.”
Prior to this new development, petrol imports in Nigeria in February declined significantly, as the Dangote Refinery stepped in to fill the energy gap.
The licences are reportedly issued to marketers including Bono Energy, Pinnacle, AYM Shafa, Matrix, A.A. Rano, and Nipco.
The approvals aim to stabilize supply and prevent sharp price spikes in a deregulated market.
The NMDPRA described this step as temporary, not a permanent policy change. Further details on timelines and conditions are expected soon.
Administrator and Writer
