Nigeria’s efforts to stabilise fuel supply have received a boost as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited doubled crude oil deliveries to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in March, raising hopes for improved fuel availability and possible price relief.
According to Aliko Dangote, the refinery received 10 cargoes of crude oil last month, up from an average of five cargoes monthly since late 2024. The shipments included six cargoes paid for in naira and four in dollars under the existing supply arrangement with NNPC.
Industry operators say the increased supply could help ease fuel prices, but stress that meaningful relief will depend on the Federal Government reducing the cost of crude supplied to the refinery.
The development comes amid global oil supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, which have affected crude flows and increased pressure on domestic fuel markets. In response, Nigeria appears to be prioritising local refining capacity to reduce dependence on imports.
Despite the improvement, Dangote noted that the refinery is still operating below optimal capacity, requiring about 19 cargoes of crude monthly. He added that the facility continues to import crude from countries like the United States and other African producers to meet demand.
Dangote also raised concerns that some international oil companies operating in Nigeria prefer selling crude to foreign traders rather than supplying the refinery directly, forcing it to buy Nigerian crude at higher prices.
Analysts say sustained increases in local crude supply could gradually stabilise fuel prices and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security if current efforts are maintained.
