Marketers confirm receipt of fuel import licences

Fuel importers in Nigeria have confirmed receiving fresh licenses from the Federal Government to import petroleum products for the third quarter of 2026. These permits, issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), are intended to ensure a stable supply and forestall possible fuel shortages across the country.

Dealers familiar with the development confirmed that approved companies have begun receiving their import permits. While specific volumes allocated were not detailed, findings indicate that beneficiaries include major downstream operators such as AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Pinnacle Oil, Matrix Energy, and NIPCO. This follows a report by global energy intelligence firm Argus Media that the government had approved fresh imports of petrol and diesel for the July-September 2026 period.

The approvals come amid concerns about declining fuel stock levels and reduced gasoline production from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has become a significant supplier. The government's move aims to guarantee uninterrupted product availability nationwide, balancing local refining output with import requirements. Argus Media listed AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono Energy, NIPCO, Matrix Energy, and Pinnacle Oil among those cleared to import Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during the third quarter.

These fresh approvals signal the government's ongoing efforts to maintain fuel supply stability, even as domestic refining capacity increases and reforms continue in the downstream sector. The same companies, with the exception of Nipco, also received approvals to import Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). This batch of permits follows earlier petrol import permits issued in May, which covered approximately 720,000 metric tonnes. Sources cited by Argus indicated that many of the companies granted the latest approvals had also received permits in previous rounds.

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Yes, licences have been issued. We just got the licences today.