Fuel Supply: NMDPRA grants new import permits to seven oil marketers
Nigerian Regulator Approves Fuel Import Permits Amid Supply Concerns
By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has granted new fuel import permits to major oil marketers as concerns about domestic supply levels intensify.
The approvals, issued for the third quarter of 2026, facilitate the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel. This decision aims to stabilize the market and mitigate potential supply interruptions, particularly in light of declining stock levels and reduced output from Nigeria’s largest refinery.
Companies authorized for petrol imports include Matrix Energy, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono, Nipco, and Pinnacle. In addition, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono, Matrix Energy, and Pinnacle received permits to import diesel. These approvals follow an earlier batch of petrol import licenses issued in May. Originally anticipated by June 15, the finalization of these permits encountered delays.
According to the new allocations, both AA Rano and Matrix Energy have been granted permission to import 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol each, while Pinnacle is allotted 150,000 metric tonnes and AYM Shafa 120,000 metric tonnes. For diesel, AYM Shafa received approval for 60,000 metric tonnes, and Pinnacle was cleared for 45,000 metric tonnes.
Further approvals may still be issued, with total petrol import allocations expected to exceed 800,000 metric tonnes upon completion of the regulatory process.
This latest regulatory action occurs amidst tightening fuel inventories. NMDPRA data indicates that petrol stock sufficiency dropped to 16 days in May, while diesel inventory coverage stood at 31 days during the same period. The fresh permits are notably timely as international gasoline and diesel prices have recently weakened, potentially increasing the profitability of fuel imports for Nigerian marketers.
