Nigeria Reduces Petrol Imports To 25m Litres Daily, Bans 60,000-Litre Tankers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed a significant reduction in petrol imports, with the country now bringing in just 25 million litres daily. This adjustment follows improvements in local refinery operations, which now supply half of Nigeria’s daily petrol demand, reducing reliance on imports.

Domestic Refineries Strengthen Fuel Supply
During a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), highlighted that while local refineries now cover 50% of the nation’s petrol needs, imports remain essential to avoid potential shortages in the downstream sector.

Ukoha explained that prior to the removal of the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, Nigeria consumed around 66 million litres daily. However, following the subsidy’s removal, demand dropped sharply, stabilizing at 50 million litres per day.

Ban on High-Capacity Tankers to Enhance Safety
In a major safety move, the NMDPRA has announced a ban on 60,000-litre capacity tankers from March 1, 2025. This decision comes amid concerns over increased petrol tanker fire incidents linked to high-capacity trucks.

Despite strong opposition from the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)—who warned of a ₦300 billion loss due to the ban—the regulatory authority emphasized safety concerns as the driving force behind this measure.

Ukoha stated that starting Q4 of 2025, an even stricter rule will be enforced, limiting petroleum transportation to tankers with a maximum capacity of 45,000 litres.

Stakeholders Support the Move
The decision was backed by agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and key petroleum stakeholders like NUPENG, MEMAN, and IPMAN.

This new regulation aims to minimize road hazards and ensure safer transportation of petroleum products across Nigeria.