Abuja, Dec. 1, 2025 — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the importation of 828 million litres of petrol to stabilize supply and prevent a looming nationwide scarcity.
In a statement released over the weekend, NNPC explained that the move was necessary to bridge short-term supply gaps caused by disruptions in local distribution and delays in international shipments. Officials assured Nigerians that the imported volumes have already been allocated to depots across the country, with retail outlets expected to maintain steady supply.
Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption averages 60–70 million litres, meaning the imported stock provides a buffer of nearly two weeks of national demand.
“This strategic importation is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply during the festive season and beyond,” an NNPC spokesperson said.
The announcement comes amid heightened public anxiety over fuel availability, with queues reported in some cities last week. The company emphasized that the measure would stabilize pump prices and ease distribution bottlenecks.
Context and Implications
For Consumers: The importation is expected to ease fears of scarcity and stabilize prices at filling stations.
For Government: It underscores Nigeria’s continued reliance on imports despite the anticipated entry of the Dangote Refinery, which has pledged to begin supplying 50 million litres daily from December.
For Economy: Analysts note that while the importation averts immediate shortages, it highlights the foreign exchange burden of importing refined products.
Experts say the development reflects the urgency of boosting local refining capacity. With the Dangote Refinery set to commence petrol supply, Nigeria may soon reduce its dependence on imports, saving billions in foreign exchange and improving energy security.
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