Despite commitments by oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to halt fuel imports and prioritise off-taking from local sources like the Dangote Refinery, new findings by Petroleumprice.ng reveal that a total of 78,800 metric tonnes, equivalent to 105.67 million litres of petrol, has been imported into the country between November 23 and November 28.
Documents obtained from the Nigerian Ports Authority on Wednesday disclosed that the fuel was delivered via four vessels, with the latest expected to arrive today (Thursday, November 28, 2024).
An analysis of the documents indicates that 38,500 metric tonnes of petrol, imported on Monday, November 25, berthed at the Lagos Apapa Port (Bulk Oil Plant). Similarly, a Bedford ship carrying 10,000 metric tonnes (mt) of petrol is scheduled to berth at the Ebughu Jetty, Calabar Port, Cross River State, on Thursday, November 28.
Additionally, two vessels that arrived on Saturday, November 23, are still awaiting berthing. Combined, these ships are carrying 30,300mt of petrol.
The report also highlights the importation of 11,000 metric tonnes of base oil and notes that the $20 billion Dangote Refinery received 133,986 metric tonnes of crude oil on Monday, November 27, 2024.
Last week, oil marketers and the NNPCL announced plans to cease fuel imports to focus on domestic supplies. This decision followed a high-level meeting convened by NNPCL Group CEO, Mele Kyari, alongside the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The meeting brought together representatives of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and key stakeholders from companies like 11 Plc, Matrix, and AA Rano, among others. Held at the NNPCL Towers in Abuja, the discussions centered on building confidence in the Dangote Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands and the need to cut down on fuel imports.
