Dangote Refinery Supplies 62% of Nigeria’s Fuel in January

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has overtaken importers to supply 62% of Nigeria’s petrol market in January 2026, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The regulator’s latest report showed total PMS supply averaged 64.9 million litres per day, with Dangote contributing 40.1 million litres daily, while imports by oil marketers and NNPC accounted for 24.8 million litres.

This marks the first time in over a year that domestic production has exceeded imports, reversing a long-standing trend of heavy reliance on foreign supplies.

The NMDPRA attributed the surge to Dangote’s ramp-up, which boosted output from 32 million litres in December 2025 to 40.1 million litres in January 2026.

Dangote Refinery CEO David Bird said the facility now has capacity to supply more than 50 million litres of petrol daily, positioning it as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s fuel self-sufficiency drive.

The report highlighted volatile supply trends in 2025, with imports peaking at 52.1 million litres per day in November, while Dangote’s contribution was just 19.5 million litres.

By December, domestic supply doubled to 32 million litres, setting the stage for January’s breakthrough.

Aliko Dangote had previously accused regulators of “economic sabotage” for issuing import licences despite his refinery’s readiness, but the January figures cemented the refinery’s dominance.

Industry observers say the milestone could save Nigeria significant foreign exchange, reduce exposure to global price volatility, and improve fuel availability for consumers.

The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) added that with adequate feedstock, domestic refineries could meet nearly all of Nigeria’s fuel needs.

“We are poised and have the capacity. We just need the necessary support in terms of crude oil availability,” said CORAN spokesperson Eche Idoko.