Domestic Crude Supply to Nigerian Refineries Falls Amid Sabotage Allegations

Nigeria's domestic crude supply to its refineries saw a notable decline in May 2026, falling to 15.84 million barrels from 17.96 million barrels in April, according to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Despite this month-on-month decrease, locally sourced crude remained the dominant feedstock, accounting for approximately 88.4% of the total volume processed by the country's refineries. This indicates continued progress in reducing Nigeria's historical dependence on imported crude, though the dip has raised concerns about the consistency of local supply.

The decline in domestic crude availability has intensified industry worries, particularly amid allegations of sabotage within the crude supply chain. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has pointed to potential deliberate disruptions affecting the reliable delivery of local crude to domestic facilities, though the Federal Government has denied these claims.

Across the first five months of 2026, domestic supply had generally trended upward, reaching a peak in April before moderating in May. The NMDPRA's figures also detailed the intake of intermediates and gasoline blendstock at the Dangote Refinery, showing a decrease in May compared to earlier months. The situation remains under scrutiny as the industry grapples with supply consistency and alleged interference.