ENERGY
-
Nigeria’s daily petrol imports fell sharply in September 2026 even as reported consumption increased, according to NMDPRA data cited by Nairametrics. Imports dropped to 10.2 million litres per day, while reported demand rose to 44.4 million litres, leaving a supply gap when compared with combined daily receipts.
Daily petrol imports into Nigeria fell by 30.1 per cent to 10.2 million litres in September 2026, according to NMDPRA data reported by Nairametrics.
At the same time, reported petrol consumption increased to 44.4 million litres per day in September, up from 41.5 million litres per day in August. The figures point to stronger reported demand during the month despite the decline in import volumes.
The same dataset showed that combined daily petrol receipts stood at 38.7 million litres. That left a shortfall of 5.7 million litres per day when measured against the reported consumption figure for September.
NMDPRA data also showed some improvement in stock cover. Petrol stock cover rose from 22.9 days to 23.9 days during the period.
However, the stock level remained below the regulator’s 30-day benchmark, suggesting supply buffers were still not at the preferred level even with the month-on-month increase.
Why it matters
Petrol remains central to transport, logistics and day-to-day economic activity in Nigeria. A drop in imports alongside higher reported consumption can raise concerns about how comfortably supply is meeting demand, especially when stock cover is still below the regulator’s benchmark.
The figures also matter because they offer a snapshot of market balance. While stock cover improved slightly, the reported shortfall between receipts and consumption shows that supply conditions still deserve close attention
What it means for your money
This has potential implications for households and businesses that depend on petrol for transport and power, but the supplied data does not confirm any immediate change in pump prices. For consumers, the key financial issue is whether tighter supply and sub-benchmark stock cover translate into higher fuel costs or more difficulty finding supply.
-
The next key development to watch is whether subsequent NMDPRA data shows imports recovering or stock cover moving closer to the 30-day benchmark. It will also be important to monitor whether the gap between combined daily receipts and reported consumption narrows or widens in the coming months.
September’s petrol data showed a clear imbalance: imports fell sharply, reported demand increased, and stock cover, although improved, remained below the regulator’s target. The main issue now is whether supply metrics strengthen enough to close the gap and support a more comfortable market position.
Five stories, the key numbers, and why they matter. Free, no ads.
Subscribe free
