Nigeria’s Fuel Consumption Hits 44.4 Million Litres Per Day as Petrol Imports Drop to 30%

Nigeria recorded a decline in petrol supply in September 2026 as daily consumption rose to 44.4 million litres, widening the gap between the volume of fuel available and the quantity required across the country.

Figures published by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) show that daily petrol imports dropped to 10.2 million litres during the month, representing a 30.1 per cent decline from the 14.6 million litres recorded in August.

The reduction came alongside a fall in domestic petrol receipts, raising questions about the ability of available supplies to keep pace with the country’s growing demand.

According to the regulator’s latest factsheet, Nigeria received a combined 38.7 million litres of petrol daily in September. Against consumption of 44.4 million litres, the country faced a daily shortfall of approximately 5.7 million litres.

Domestic petrol receipts fell from 35.9 million litres per day in August to 28.5 million litres in September, a decline of 20.6 per cent.

At the same time, daily consumption increased from 41.5 million litres to 44.4 million litres, representing a seven per cent rise within one month.

The figures show that both imported and domestically supplied petrol declined during a period of rising demand. Combined receipts met only about 87.2 per cent of the country’s reported daily consumption.

Petrol stock cover recorded a modest improvement, increasing from 22.9 days in August to 23.9 days in September. However, the level remained short of the NMDPRA’s 30-day benchmark.

The figures do not establish the cause of the supply decline, but they show that the volume of petrol entering the market was insufficient to match reported consumption during September.

Petrol imports have moved sharply up and down throughout 2026.

Daily receipts from overseas suppliers stood at 24.8 million litres in January before falling to 3 million litres in February. Imports rose to 5.9 million litres in March, dropped to 3.7 million litres in April and recovered to 5.9 million litres in May.

The pace changed considerably in the following months, with imports reaching 18.1 million litres per day in June and peaking at 19.7 million litres in July.

The subsequent decline continued through August and September, when imports fell to 14.6 million litres and 10.2 million litres per day, respectively. September’s figure was 48.2 per cent below the July peak.

Domestic receipts also weakened after recording 40.1 million litres per day in January and reaching 41.5 million litres in May. Supplies dropped to 32.5 million litres in June and 25.8 million litres in July, recovered in August and fell again in September.

Refinery Expansion Yet to Close Supply Gap

The latest supply figures come months after the Dangote refinery increased its crude oil distillation capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 700,000 barrels per day, following maintenance and expansion work completed in February 2026.

Nigeria’s refining sector also recorded year-on-year growth of 43.94 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, according to an earlier Nairametrics report.

Despite these developments, the NMDPRA’s September figures show that domestic petrol receipts remained below reported national consumption. Installed refining capacity does not necessarily translate into an equivalent volume of petrol delivered to the local market, as actual output and distribution also determine availability.

The figures therefore highlight the importance of consistent domestic production and distribution in reducing dependence on imported fuel.

Import Expenditure Records Sharp Quarterly Increase

Nigeria’s spending on imported petrol rose significantly in the second quarter of 2026. Nairametrics reported that the import bill climbed to N952.15 billion from N87.40 billion in the first quarter, representing a 989.4 per cent increase.

The sharp quarterly rise came despite efforts to expand domestic refining capacity and reduce reliance on overseas supplies.

The country’s petrol import bill had fallen to $10 billion in 2025 from $14.06 billion in 2024, according to an earlier report by the publication.

However, import expenditure in 2024 reached N15.42 trillion, an increase of 105.3 per cent and the highest level reported at the time. The depreciation of the naira by 40.9 per cent was identified as a major factor behind the increase in the local-currency cost of imported fuel.

Supply and Demand Remain the Main Challenge

Nigeria’s September petrol figures reveal a difficult balance for the downstream market. While imports declined, domestic receipts also weakened as daily consumption increased.

The immediate concern is the difference between the 38.7 million litres received daily and the 44.4 million litres reportedly consumed. Maintaining adequate stock levels will depend on the volume of fuel available from local refineries, imports and distribution channels.

For the country to cut its exposure to imported petrol, domestic refineries will need to supply sufficient quantities consistently. Until local deliveries and other available supplies keep pace with demand, the gap recorded in September will remain a key concern for Nigeria’s petroleum market.

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