Nigeria petrol consumption drops in February 2026 as Dangote Refinery expands output and cuts fuel prices, easing supply pressures nationwide

Nigeria’s average daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, declined in February 2026 as the nation’s domestic refining capacity continues to reshape the fuel supply structure.

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Figures released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) indicate daily consumption fell to 56.9 million litres, down from 60.2 million litres in January.

The regulator highlighted a significant shift in Nigeria’s historically import-dependent fuel supply.

Local refining, led by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, now accounts for a growing share of the national petrol supply, reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuel.

Petrol imports fell by approximately 25.4 million litres per day in February, coinciding with increased domestic production.

Industry analysts say the surge in locally refined petrol has enhanced Nigeria’s fuel security.

The NMDPRA reported a national stock sufficiency of roughly 31 days, signalling greater stability in the supply chain.

Jeremiah Olajide, Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, said the Dangote Refinery has become a strategic buffer for the downstream petroleum sector, particularly amid volatile global markets.

“For decades, Nigeria relied almost entirely on imported petrol due to the underperformance of state-owned refineries,” Olajide explained.

“The ramp-up in output from the Dangote Refinery is now beginning to alter that long-standing structure.”

In a move to ease financial pressure on consumers, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently announced price reductions for both petrol and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Gantry petrol prices were lowered from ₦1,175 to ₦1,075 per litre, while coastal prices fell from ₦1,150 to ₦1,028 per litre.

Diesel prices dropped from ₦1,620 to ₦1,430 per litre.

The refinery stated the reductions reflect a commitment to fairness and transparency, noting that crude oil purchases are benchmarked against global prices with applicable premiums and no government subsidy.

Throughout 2025, the refinery reduced gantry prices at least eight times while increasing them only twice, a strategy described as economic patriotism and a demonstration of responsibility to Nigerian consumers.

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“We remain committed to ensuring that any cost advantages are passed on to consumers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” the company added.