NMDPRA Assures Nigerians of Adequate Fuel Supply, Scraps 15% Import Duty on Petrol and Diesel

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has called on Nigerians to remain calm and avoid panic buying of petroleum products, assuring that there is sufficient fuel supply nationwide.

In a statement dated November 12 and shared on its official X account on Thursday, the authority confirmed that the country currently maintains “adequate supply of petroleum products within the acceptable national sufficiency threshold during this peak demand period.”

Signed by the Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, the statement explained that there is a “robust domestic supply of petroleum products — including AGO, PMS, and LPG — sourced from both local refineries and imports to ensure steady replenishment of stocks at storage depots and filling stations.”

The regulator cautioned marketers against hoarding or artificially inflating prices, describing such practices as unwarranted given the stable supply levels.

In a major policy clarification, the NMDPRA announced that the proposed implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) “is no longer in view.” The decision, previously approved by President Bola Tinubu, is expected to ease market pressures and help stabilise pump prices.

Reaffirming its oversight role, the agency pledged to “continue monitoring the supply chain and take necessary regulatory actions to prevent any disruption in the distribution of petroleum products across the country, especially during this period of high demand.”

The statement concluded by commending industry stakeholders for their cooperation and reiterated the authority’s commitment to maintaining energy security.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reported a marginal rise in Nigeria’s crude oil output to 1.401 million barrels per day in October 2025, up from 1.39 million barrels per day in September. Despite the increase, the figure remains below the country’s OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day — marking the third consecutive month Nigeria has missed its target.