According to a report by The Punch on Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has warned that it may continue exporting excess petrol as rising imports create uncertainty over demand in Nigeria’s domestic market.
According to the refinery, imported Premium Motor Spirit accounted for about 43 per cent of petrol supplied to the Nigerian market in July, despite its claim that the refinery has the capacity to meet and exceed local demand.
The company said the continued issuance of import licences has made it difficult to determine how much petrol should be reserved for Nigerian consumers.
Dangote Refinery explained that it had maintained significant product reserves since beginning operations to ensure a steady domestic supply.
However, holding excess stocks without clear information about future import volumes has become commercially challenging.
“As a responsible energy provider, we have always endeavoured to keep adequate reserves to satisfy local demand at all times,” the company said.
It added that continued imports, combined with limited visibility over expected volumes, made it difficult to maintain large inventories indefinitely.
The refinery said surplus petrol that is not absorbed by the Nigerian market would be exported to regional and international markets to reduce storage and financing costs.
It stressed that increased exports should not be interpreted as an inability to supply Nigerians.
According to the company, its growing exports are a response to excess inventory created by uncertainty surrounding imported fuel volumes.
Dangote Refinery maintained that it remains capable of meeting Nigeria’s petroleum product needs and is committed to maintaining reliable supply across the country.
However, it warned that future supply shortages arising from market distortions, excessive imports and difficulties in forecasting demand should not be blamed on the refinery.
The company called for greater transparency and improved coordination in the petroleum market, while urging policies that support local refining, strengthen energy security, conserve foreign exchange and maximise Nigeria’s investment in domestic refining capacity.
CIURTESY: Big_pen10
