Imports of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) have dropped sharply from 44.6 million litres per day in August 2024 to 14.7 million litres by April 13, 2025—a decline of about 30 million litres or 67 per cent—according to the latest supply data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, revealed this on Tuesday while briefing State House correspondents during the sixth edition of the "Meet-the-Press" series hosted by the Presidential Communications Team at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

Ahmed noted that local production rose significantly during the same period, increasing by 670 per cent.

While local refineries contributed almost nothing in August, their output climbed to 26.2 million litres per day in early April, up from 3.4 million litres in September—the first month with measurable production. Ahmed attributed the growth to the phased restart of the Port Harcourt Refining Company in late November and increased contributions from modular refineries.

Despite this progress, combined daily supply exceeded the government’s 50 million-litre consumption benchmark only twice over the eight-month period—56 million litres in November and 52.3 million litres in February.

In March, supply dipped slightly below the target to 51.5 million litres and dropped further in early April to 40.9 million litres per day. Ahmed emphasized that the Authority only issues import licenses based on national supply needs.