The volume of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, imported into Nigeria fell sharply by 42.2 per cent in January 2026, reaching 24.8 million litres per day, down from 42.8 million litres recorded in December 2025, according to a report by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The report indicated that domestic supply from the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery increased by 25.3 per cent last month to 40.1 million litres per day, up from 32 million litres in December 2025. Overall, total daily petrol supply in January 2026 stood at 64.9 million litres, representing a 12.5 per cent decrease compared to December’s 74.2 million litres. The authority noted 33 days of petrol sufficiency during the month, boosted by improved refinery performance.
While daily consumption is benchmarked at 50 million litres, actual usage averaged 60.2 million litres per day. Other petroleum products recorded daily truck-out volumes of 19.2 million litres for diesel, 3.5 million litres for aviation fuel, and 4,860 metric tonnes of LPG. The Dangote Refinery operated at 61.27 per cent capacity in January, while the three federal refineries managed by NNPC Limited remained offline.
Meanwhile, the Winters-mith Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited has begun crude oil test runs for Phase Two of its refinery in Imo State. The facility, currently producing 5,000 barrels per day (bpd) of diesel, kerosene, naphtha, and heavy fuel oil, is expected to expand to 50,000 bpd upon completion, signaling a major boost to domestic refining capacity.
The regulator described the move as part of the commissioning process, confirming that “introduction of hydrocarbon commenced,” marking a transition from mechanical completion to live operational testing. Analysts said the development is crucial for reducing import dependence, enhancing local value addition, and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
Engr. Saidu Mohammed, CEO of NMDPRA, described the downstream sector as undergoing an “irreversible renaissance” due to regulatory reforms and investments under the Petroleum Industry Act. He noted that domestic refineries like Dangote are driving economic gains, including reduced import-related fiscal losses estimated at over N6 trillion, and assured stakeholders of firm and fair regulation to support sustainable growth.
The Phase Two expansion of Winters-mith and increased production from Dangote are expected to further ease fuel supply pressures, improve availability of diesel and other petroleum products for industrial use, and contribute to stabilising Nigeria’s petroleum market in the months ahead.
