Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s average daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) declined to 56.9 million litres per day in February 2026, down from 60.2 million litres per day recorded in January.
The figures were disclosed in new data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Okay News reports that the data also showed a drop in petrol supply from the Dangote Refinery during the same period. The figures highlight ongoing shifts in Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply dynamics as local refining capacity gradually evolves.
Despite the presence of the massive Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s state-owned refineries remained largely inactive during the period under review, contributing little to petrol production.
Nigeria’s average petrol consumption dropped to 56.9 million litres per day in February from 60.2 million in January. Petrol supply from the Dangote Refinery declined to 36.5 million litres per day in February from 40.1 million litres per day in January.
Overall domestic petrol supply stood at 39.6 million litres per day in February, a sharp decline from 64.9 million litres per day in January. The data suggests shifting supply patterns in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
Nigeria’s three state-owned refineries recorded no petrol production during the month as rehabilitation works continued. The Port Harcourt Refinery remained shut, although previously produced diesel was still being evacuated at an average of 0.392 million litres per day.
The Kaduna Refinery also remained shut, with diesel stocks being released to the market at about 0.027 million litres per day. The Warri Refinery likewise recorded zero petrol production during the period.
The continued inactivity of the refineries underscores the country’s ongoing dependence on private refining capacity and imports.
The report highlighted the role of modular refineries in supporting diesel supply. WalterSmith Refinery operated at 59.66% capacity utilisation, supplying 0.112 million litres of diesel per day. Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals Company recorded 81.66% capacity utilisation, with 0.085 million litres supplied daily.
Aradel Refinery operated at 34.47% capacity utilisation, supplying 0.171 million litres of diesel per day. Two other modular refineries, OPAC and Duport, remained shut during the month.
Domestic diesel supply increased significantly during the period, even as petrol supply declined. Diesel supply rose to 24.4 million litres per day in February, up from 18.9 million litres per day in January. The increase was supported by modular refinery output and evacuation of previously refined diesel from state-owned facilities.
Dangote Refinery has said it aims to refine 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The facility has become Nigeria’s single most important domestic source of petrol as government-owned refineries remain offline.
