Despite a combined refining capacity of 985,000 barrels per day, Nigeria’s three operational refineries contribute less than 50% of the country’s 50 million litres daily petrol consumption, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed, represented by Ogbugo Ukoha, disclosed this in Abuja, noting that the shortfall is covered through imports. He emphasized that none of the refinery owners have imported petrol in 2025, with private oil marketing companies filling the gap.

Despite the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Dangote refineries resuming operations, Nigeria remains heavily reliant on imports. The situation follows the removal of petrol subsidies, which reduced daily consumption from 66 million litres to 50 million litres.

The regulator assured that all imported fuel meets quality standards, dismissing concerns about substandard products circulating on social media.