Petrol consumption drops to 56.9 million litres daily in February

Nigeria’s average daily consumption of petrol declined to 56.9 million litres per day in February 2026, down from 60.2 million litres per day recorded in January, according to new data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The figures point to shifting supply and demand dynamics within Nigeria’s fuel market as domestic refining capacity gradually evolves. The data also showed a decline in petrol supply from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery during the same period.

Despite the growing role of private refining, Nigeria’s state-owned refineries remained largely inactive throughout February, continuing a long-standing pattern that has left the country dependent on private refining capacity and fuel imports.

Dangote supply declines as state refineries remain inactive

According to the regulator’s data, petrol supply from the Dangote refinery fell to 36.5 million litres per day in February, compared with 40.1 million litres per day in January.

Overall domestic petrol supply also dropped sharply during the month, declining to 39.6 million litres per day in February, down from 64.9 million litres per day recorded in January.

The report further showed that Nigeria’s three government-owned refineries recorded zero petrol production during the period under review as rehabilitation efforts continued across the facilities.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company remained shut, although previously refined diesel was still being evacuated at an average of 0.392 million litres per day.

Similarly, the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company did not record any petrol production during the month, while diesel stocks were released to the market at approximately 0.027 million litres per day.

The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company also recorded no petrol output during the same period.

The continued inactivity of the refineries highlights Nigeria’s ongoing reliance on private refining capacity, particularly from the Dangote refinery, which has emerged as the country’s primary domestic supplier of petrol.

Modular refineries boost diesel supply

While petrol supply declined, the report showed that diesel production increased significantly during the month, supported largely by the activities of smaller modular refineries.

The WalterSmith Refinery operated at 59.66% capacity utilisation, supplying about 0.112 million litres of diesel per day.

Meanwhile, Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals Company recorded 81.66% capacity utilisation, with daily diesel supply of 0.085 million litres.

The Aradel Refinery operated at 34.47% capacity, supplying approximately 0.171 million litres of diesel per day.

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However, two other modular facilities, OPAC Refinery and Duport Refinery, remained inactive during the month.

Overall, domestic diesel supply rose to 24.4 million litres per day in February, compared with 18.9 million litres per day recorded in January, reflecting increased output from modular refineries and the evacuation of previously refined stocks from state-owned facilities.

Dangote refinery becomes key fuel supplier

The Dangote refinery continues to play a central role in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain as government-owned refineries remain offline.

The facility has stated its long-term goal of refining 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, positioning it as one of the largest refineries in the world and a critical component of Nigeria’s strategy to reduce fuel imports.

As domestic refining capacity expands, industry analysts say the structure of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector is likely to continue evolving, with private refining projects expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting the country’s fuel demand.