NMDPRA Authorises New Fuel Import Licences Amidst Declining Domestic Stock Levels
Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum regulator has issued a new tranche of fuel import permits to key oil marketers, a strategic move aimed at bolstering domestic supply levels for the third quarter of 2026. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has granted these approvals for the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, covering the period from July to September.
Industry sources indicate that companies including Matrix Energy, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono, Nipco, and Pinnacle are among the selected recipients of these latest permits. This regulatory action is designed to ensure market stability and mitigate potential supply disruptions, particularly in light of dwindling domestic fuel reserves and reduced output from Nigeria’s primary refinery.
The newly authorised import licences follow an earlier issuance of petrol import permits in May. While these latest approvals were anticipated by mid-June, their finalisation experienced some delays, according to market observers. The allocation details reveal significant volumes for major players, with AA Rano and Matrix Energy each authorised to import 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol. Pinnacle has been allocated 150,000 metric tonnes, and AYM Shafa is set to import 120,000 metric tonnes of petrol. For diesel, AYM Shafa received approval for 60,000 metric tonnes, and Pinnacle for 45,000 metric tonnes.
Further import permits are anticipated, with the total petrol import allocation expected to exceed 800,000 metric tonnes upon the conclusion of the current regulatory exercise. This proactive measure by the NMDPRA is occurring against a backdrop of tightening fuel inventories. Official data from the NMDPRA reveals that petrol stock sufficiency had fallen to 16 days in May, while diesel inventory cover stood at 31 days during the same month. The timing of these new permits is also noteworthy, coinciding with a period of weakened international gasoline and diesel prices, which could enhance the profitability margins for Nigerian marketers engaged in fuel importation. This development is of significant interest to legal counsel, compliance officers, and corporate executives navigating the complexities of the downstream petroleum sector, as it directly impacts supply chain management, pricing strategies, and regulatory compliance.
