Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) reveals that Nigeria’s average daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) fell to 56.9 million litres in February 2026. This represents a 5% decline from the 60.2 million litres recorded in January.
The drop in demand coincides with a historic shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape. For the first time in nearly a decade, the federal government issued zero import licenses in February, signaling a strategic pivot toward domestic self-sufficiency.
Key drivers behind these numbers include:
- The Dangote Dominance: The Dangote Refinery accounted for a staggering 92% of the national supply in February, providing roughly 36.5 million litres daily.
- Pricing Adjustments: To support economic stability, Dangote Refinery recently announced a ₦100 reduction in the gantry price of petrol, moving from ₦1,175 to ₦1,075 per litre.
- Market Realities: Despite the domestic boost, overall supply fell by 25.4 million litres daily compared to January, as the regulator tightened import permits to prioritize local stock.
Industry experts note that while consumption is down, the nation’s “fuel security” has actually strengthened, with Nigeria maintaining about 31 days of sufficiency stock. The inactive state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri continue to undergo rehabilitation, leaving the heavy lifting of domestic production to the Dangote facility and several modular refineries.
