Nigeria’s Petrol Imports Drop Despite Rising Consumption

Nigeria’s daily petrol imports fell 30.1% to 10.2 million liters in September 2026, even as consumption increased 7% to 44.4 million liters. Domestic receipts dropped 20.6% to 28.5 million liters per day, while daily imports fell from 14.6 million liters in August. Combined daily receipts from domestic supplies and imports declined to 38.7 million liters, leaving a daily shortfall of 5.7 million liters against reported demand. Total supplies covered approximately 87.2% of consumption, and stock cover remained below the regulator’s 30-day benchmark at 23.9 days. Daily imports peaked at 19.7 million liters in July before declining sharply. Although Nigeria’s refining sector has expanded, including increased capacity at the Dangote refinery, September’s figures indicate that domestic supply remains insufficient.