Despite Legal Battle With Dangote; NMDPRA Approves Fresh Petrol Import Licences for Six Marketers
Reloaded News Desk
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has approved fresh licences for the importation of 830,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The permits were issued to six petroleum marketers — Matrix Energy, A.A. Rano, AYM Shafa, NIPCO, Pinnacle Oil and Bono Energy.
NMDPRA spokesperson George Ene-Ita confirmed the approval, saying the permits were granted to prevent supply gaps during the critical end-of-year period.
The approvals were reportedly issued on September 18, with the individual allocations to the six companies not immediately disclosed.
The latest licences maintain an import programme that has continued through 2026, even as domestic refining capacity has expanded significantly, particularly with the increasing supply from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The six marketers have previously received petrol import permits from the regulator. Their combined allocation was 180,000 metric tonnes in the first quarter and increased to 720,000 metric tonnes in the second quarter, while the third-quarter allocation was also increased.
The renewed approvals have placed the question of petrol imports back at the centre of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum debate.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said the decision could benefit consumers if the imported petrol reaches the market at competitive prices.
IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, Chinedu Ukadike, said the key issue would be whether the marketers could actually land the products at prices capable of competing with locally refined petrol.
The development also comes amid an ongoing legal dispute involving Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Federal Government over the continued issuance of petrol import licences.
Dangote has challenged the regulatory approach in court, arguing that imports should be permitted where domestic supply is insufficient. NMDPRA has maintained its regulatory position, while the wider dispute has raised questions about competition, supply security and the balance between protecting domestic refining and keeping multiple sources of petrol available to consumers.
For motorists and businesses, the immediate question is whether the additional import window will translate into stronger supply and lower pump prices, particularly as international oil and refined-product markets remain under pressure.
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