May 13 (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s average daily petrol consumption rose sharply to 51.1 million litres in April 2026, up from 47.3 million litres recorded in March, according to the latest industry data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The increase reflects rising demand for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, amid improving domestic refining capacity and a gradual decline in the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
Data from the NMDPRA’s April 2026 Factsheet showed that domestic petrol supply climbed to 40.7 million litres per day in April from 34.2 million litres per day in March, driven largely by increased production from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery produced 53.6 million litres of petrol daily during the month, supplying 40.7 million litres to the local market while exporting 17.1 million litres per day.
The facility also operated at an average capacity utilisation rate of 99.12 percent and reportedly achieved full utilisation on most operating days.
Meanwhile, imported petroleum products contributed just 3.7 million litres per day to the domestic supply in April, down from 5.9 million litres recorded in March, signalling Nigeria’s growing reliance on local refining.
Despite the gains, crude oil supply to domestic refineries declined to 0.612 million barrels per day in April from 0.674 million barrels per day in March, raising concerns over feedstock availability.
The report also showed that state-owned refineries under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) remained inactive, with both Warri and Kaduna refineries recording zero production despite ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Among modular refineries, WalterSmith operated at 56.14 percent capacity utilisation, Edo Refinery posted 79.2 percent, while Aradel Refinery operated at 39.5 percent during the review period.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
