Petrol imports rise in July as domestic refinery supply drops 21%

In July 2026, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in petrol imports due to a sharp decline in domestic refinery supply, according to official statistics published on the country's official X handle. Domestic petrol supplies fell by 21%, from 32.5 million litres per day in June to 25.8 million litres per day in July, while petrol imports rose by nine%, from 18.1 million litres per day to 19.7 million litres per day.

This shift in the supply mix highlights the ongoing challenge Nigeria faces in reducing its dependence on imported petroleum products, despite expanding refining capacity. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the country's largest private refinery, operated at an average capacity utilisation of more than 71% during the period, indicating progress in revitalizing the local refining sector.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.