NNPC Denies Sabotage as Dangote Crude Supply Drops to 15.84mb
Domestic crude supply to refineries fell to 15.84 million barrels in May 2026, down from 17.96 million barrels in April, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Despite the decline, total refinery intake reached 17.92 million barrels, with imports contributing 2.08 million barrels, meaning local crude still accounted for 88.4% of supply.
The drop has sparked concerns amid allegations of sabotage in the supply chain. The Dangote Refinery accused government agencies of deliberately disrupting crude deliveries, though the NNPC Ltd denied any plan to undermine the $20bn facility.
Dangote said it receives only five crude cargoes monthly, less than half of the 13 cargoes required for full operations, forcing reliance on international traders who charge premiums.
“The government, through the NNPC, has deliberately neglected to supply adequate crude,” the refinery alleged in court filings.
Industry data shows domestic supply had generally risen earlier in 2026, from 8.83m barrels in January to 11.49m in March, peaking in April before moderating. Total receipts hit 20.92m barrels in March, boosted by imports.
Meanwhile, modular refineries reported sourcing crude through private producers, not government allocations.
The NUPRC noted refiners left $3.13bn worth of crude unlifted in Q1 2026, citing pricing disputes and grade mismatches under the “willing buyer, willing seller” framework.
Despite supply challenges, Dangote Refinery maintained strong output in May, producing 44.7m litres/day of petrol, 24.5m litres/day of diesel, and 21.9m litres/day of aviation fuel. It supplied most of the petrol and diesel locally, while exporting 17.5m litres/day of jet fuel.
Analysts say the dispute underscores tensions between refiners and regulators over the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO), with implications for Nigeria’s energy security and its ambition to become a net exporter of refined products.