Fuel supply jumps 55% as NNPC steps in to avert year-end shortages
Petrol supply into Nigeria jumped sharply in November 2025 as authorities moved to head off shortages during the peak festive season, new figures have shown.
Data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority revealed that the daily supply of Premium Motor Spirit rose to 71.5 million litres in November, up from 46 million litres per day in October. The increase was largely driven by imports handled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which accounted for about 55 per cent of total product supply from both domestic and international sources.
Consumption also surged over the same period. Average daily petrol use climbed by 44.5 per cent to 52.1 million litres in November, compared with 28.9 million litres in October. The figures point to a substantial surplus, with supply exceeding demand by about 37.4 million litres per day as stocks were deliberately built up.
Despite the rise in availability, the report confirmed that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries remained idle throughout the period. No production was recorded at the Port Harcourt, Warri or Kaduna refineries, all of which stayed shut in November. Domestic refineries contributed an average of 17.1 million litres per day, while overall average daily consumption for the month stood at 52.9 million litres.
According to the regulator, the heavy import programme was designed to shore up national inventory levels and guarantee uninterrupted supply during the end-of-year rush. Officials said the strategy was influenced by low supply levels recorded in September and October, which fell below national demand thresholds, as well as the need to prepare for heightened fuel use linked to holiday travel and festivities. They also noted that twelve vessels initially scheduled to discharge in October spilled over into November, further boosting volumes.
The report also highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s gas sector. Average daily gas supply rose to 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day in November, compared with 3.94 billion in October. Nigeria LNG Trains 1–6 maintained steady processing levels of 3.5 bscf per day, with utilisation improving to 73.7 per cent from 71.68 per cent a month earlier.
The gains were attributed to higher plant utilisation across major processing hubs and steady export volumes from the Bonny LNG facility. Other plants also recorded stronger performance, with the Soku Gas Plant emerging as the standout, operating at close to full capacity, while Gbaran Ubie, Bonny River Terminal and Escravos Gas Plant all posted improved throughput and utilisation rates.