Nigeria’s total petrol supply rose to 40.1 million litres per day (ml/d) in March 2026, up from 39.5 ml/d recorded in February, according to the latest factsheet released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The report showed that domestic supply accounted for 34.2 ml/d, while imports contributed 5.9 ml/d, indicating a recovery in imported petrol volumes despite the limited number of import licences issued during the period.
Data from the regulator revealed a modest improvement in supply levels even as Nigeria remains heavily reliant on refined petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery amid global oil market pressures that have pushed refined product prices higher.
According to the factsheet, the refinery recorded an output of 48.2 ml/d in March with an average capacity utilisation of 93.62 per cent.
However, its contribution to domestic supply declined for the third consecutive month, dropping to 34.2 ml/d in March compared with 36 ml/d in February and 40.1 ml/d in January.
In contrast, petrol import volumes nearly doubled month-on-month, rising to 5.9 ml/d from 3 ml/d recorded in February. The increase suggests a gradual return of importers to the market to bridge emerging supply gaps.
On the demand side, domestic petrol consumption declined significantly to 47.3 ml/d in March from 56.9 ml/d in February, signalling some easing in market pressure during the period.
Average pump prices during the month stood at ₦1,249.01 per litre in Lagos, ₦1,286.81 per litre in Abuja, and ₦1,280.43 per litre in Enugu.
Despite the modest supply increase, the data showed a supply-demand gap, as total petrol supply of 40.1 ml/d remained below consumption of 47.3 ml/d in March. Analysts say the shortfall could put pressure on inventories and downstream distribution channels if sustained.
On a year-on-year basis, Nigeria’s average daily petrol supply fell sharply to 40.1 ml/d in March 2026 from 51.6 ml/d in March 2025, representing a decline of 11.5 ml/d, or about 22.3 per cent.
However, the month-on-month rise in supply from February levels was largely supported by increased petrol imports, which continue to serve as a critical buffer for stabilising the market amid fluctuating domestic production and demand.
