US-Iran War: FG Reopens Fuel Imports
The Federal Government has lifted its ban on fuel imports, granting six new licences for the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), following concerns over supply amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The move marks a sharp reversal of Nigeria’s recent policy aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuel.
Consequently, oil marketers and domestic crude refiners have called on the Federal Government to boost crude supply to Dangote and other local refineries to shield the country from fuel scarcity, as is being reported in other countries due to the Middle East crisis.
A new report by S&P Global obtained on Wednesday revealed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority granted licences for the importation of about 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol. This comes barely weeks after the regulator insisted that domestic refining capacity was sufficient to meet Nigeria’s fuel demand.
A senior official at the regulator confirmed that the decision was taken to address a sudden supply gap triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The report read, “Nigeria has relaxed its gasoline import restrictions for the first time since October by issuing a round of new licenses to local marketers, according to an official at its downstream regulator.
“The NMDPRA did not issue import licenses for gasoline in February on the strength of the improved domestic supply then. But the Middle East crisis came, and we have had a shortfall. So to bridge the gap, import licenses were issued.”
The spokesperson of the NMDPRA, George Ene-Ita, did not respond to enquiries when contacted to confirm the report, up to the time this report was filed.
Further findings by one of our correspondents revealed that the importing marketers include Bono Energy, Pinnacle, AYM Shafa, Matrix, A.A. Rano, and Nipco, each expected to import about 30,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, equivalent to approximately 40.5 million litres and a total of 243 million litres.
The development signals a shift in the government’s downstream strategy, which had recently leaned towards reducing dependence on imported fuel following increased output from local refineries.
On March 11, the NMDPRA announced a pause in the issuance of petrol import licences, citing improved domestic production. Industry data at the time showed that local refineries supplied about 36.5 million litres of petrol per day in February 2026, compared to just three million litres contributed by imports.
Officials had argued that the country no longer needed fuel imports, raising expectations of a gradual transition to self-sufficiency.
“It’s correct that we’ve not issued import licences this year. It is obvious that local production has met national requirements. So, there’s no need for importation,” a source at the NMDPRA had said.
However, the latest approvals suggest that supply stability remains fragile, especially in the face of global disruptions.
The Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, confirmed that the midstream and downstream regulatory authority has started issuing import permits. He said the number of permits issued so far is low, showing that local refining is still dominant. However, he noted that imports are needed to stabilise the market.
According to him, energy insecurity could weaken Nigeria’s economy, so a balance between local supply and imports is necessary.
He said, “Yes, it’s true. NMDPRA has begun issuing import permits; the number of permits issued lately is relatively low, which shows local refining still dominates, but we need to stabilise the market through imports. Energy insecurity could collapse Nigeria’s economy, so Importation is needed for a balance.”
