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NNPC and marketers import 633 million litres of fuel amid domestic production efforts

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other marketers in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector imported a total of over 633 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in January 2025, despite domestic production of these products.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that according to the latest industry data, over 458 million litres of petrol and 174 million litres of diesel were imported within a month.

The importation has sparked discussions, with some claiming it was necessary to alleviate fuel shortages, while others question the continued reliance on imports despite the commissioning of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is expected to meet Nigeria’s refined petroleum needs.

The NNPC, along with other marketers, has consistently relied on imports, even as the country attempts to increase domestic refining capacity and reduce its dependency on imported fuel—a significant factor in the depreciation of the naira.

This importation trend seems to contradict earlier public statements by marketers who promised to prioritize domestic fuel supply following the commissioning of several new refineries.

Documents detailing the volume of fuel imported into Nigeria obtained by this correspondent on Thursday reveal that NNPC imported the largest share, bringing in 158,740 metric tonnes of petrol.

With the conversion rate of 1,341 litres per metric tonne, this translates to roughly 212.87 million litres of petrol between January 1 and January 29, 2025.

Additionally, NNPC imported 62,866 metric tonnes of diesel within the same period, which equates to 120.1 million litres of the product.

The continued importation of fuel by NNPC has baffled industry experts, especially given the recent operational commencement of the 210,000 barrels per day Port Harcourt refinery and the 125,000 barrels per day Warri refinery by the national oil company.

Combined, these two refineries have a capacity of 335,000 barrels per day, prompting questions about their effectiveness in helping Nigeria achieve fuel self-sufficiency.

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On November 26, 2024, NNPC officially announced that petrol production had resumed at the Port Harcourt refinery after extensive rehabilitation.

During the unveiling, NNPC officials invited stakeholders to tour the facility, where they examined samples of petrol, diesel, and kerosene.

The refinery, which consists of two units, includes an old plant with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day and a new plant with a 150,000 barrels per day capacity, totaling 210,000 barrels per day.

The refinery’s reopening was hailed as a significant step toward reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuel.

Simultaneously, NNPC also resumed operations at the Warri refinery, which had been inactive for years.

A presidential statement revealed that the Warri refinery would focus on producing and storing critical petroleum products, including Straight Run Kerosene, Automotive Gas Oil, and heavy and light Naphtha.

The resumption of these two refineries led stakeholders, including oil marketers, to express their commitment to halting fuel imports, yet the NNPC’s ongoing fuel importation has raised doubts about the readiness and capacity of these refineries.

Further examination of the fuel importation documents by our correspondent shows that NNPC imported the products through nine vessels that docked at various ports in Lagos and Cross Rivers states.

One of the first consignments, which arrived on January 10, 2025, carried 15,000 metric tonnes of petrol (20.12 million litres) and docked at the Calabar port.

A second vessel, which arrived on January 16, 2025, also brought in 15,000 metric tonnes of petrol, berthed at the same port.

Meanwhile, vessels carrying petrol products arrived at the Lagos ports on January 13, 22, and 27, totaling 128,740 metric tonnes, or 172.64 million litres.

For diesel, NNPC received three vessels that berthed at the Lagos ports on January 9 and 16, bringing in 62,866 metric tonnes, which translates to 74.81 million litres.

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These shipments represent significant volumes of fuel imported by NNPC during a period when local refineries were expected to meet domestic demand.

Major marketers such as Bovas, A.A. Rano, Matrix, Raj, and AYM Shafa also contributed to the continued importation of fuel.

These marketers collectively imported a total of 246.02 million litres of petrol and 99.96 million litres of diesel.

Additional marketers, including Chipet Oil, MenJ, WosbasB, Shorelink, Prudent, and Prado, also participated in the importation activities.

The imported products were landed at the Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri ports for distribution to filling stations across the country.

Among the marketers, Matrix emerged as the largest importer, bringing in 126.89 million litres of fuel.

The continued importation by both NNPC and private marketers has raised concerns among stakeholders about the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to promote self-sufficiency in fuel production.

Chinedu Ukadike, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), commented on the situation, stating that the Port Harcourt refinery is still operating at a limited capacity, despite having commenced operations two months ago.

Ukadike noted that the refinery had not yet reached optimal production levels, contradicting the promises made by NNPC officials.

He explained that the CEO of NNPC had previously stated that the company would cease patronizing imports and focus on supporting local refining.

However, the continued reliance on imported fuel suggests that NNPC’s refineries are not yet capable of meeting domestic fuel demands.

Ukadike added, “There was a time at a meeting where the GCEO of the NNPC, and the NMDPRA met and they said they are not going to patronize imports again.

“They are going to encourage local refining.

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“But product offtake from the Port Harcourt refinery is still skeletal for now.

“It’s skeletal for now because the chief executive officer of NNPC said that they have not reached the ultimate level which they are trying to reach.

“So once they reach the ultimate level, the product will be readily available.

“But that will not make them not to be able to source petroleum products from other places to sustain their own outlets.”

The situation has highlighted the challenges Nigeria faces in its pursuit of fuel self-sufficiency, despite the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and expand domestic refining capacity.

While the NNPC’s refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri represent significant steps toward reducing fuel imports, the continued reliance on foreign imports indicates that the country’s refining sector still faces significant hurdles.

With the Dangote Refinery poised to enter the market, it remains to be seen whether these domestic refineries will be able to meet the country’s fuel demands without depending on imports.

The debate surrounding the importation of fuel by NNPC and marketers underscores the need for greater investment in domestic refining capacity and a clear strategy for reducing reliance on imported fuel.

Although the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries is a positive development.

It is clear that more work is needed to ensure that these facilities can operate at full capacity and provide a reliable supply of refined petroleum products for the Nigerian market.

Until then, the importation of fuel by NNPC and other marketers will likely continue, further straining Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and hindering the country’s economic growth.


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

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