ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s domestic refineries operated above installed capacity in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push toward energy self-sufficiency, as daily petrol consumption stood at 46.3 million litres.
Latest data from midstream and downstream petroleum operations showed that local refineries achieved an average capacity utilisation of 101.25 per cent, reflecting improved efficiency and increased output across key petroleum products.
The report indicated that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, recorded daily production of 44.7 million litres, with 41.5 million litres supplied to the domestic market and a closing stock of 9.4 million litres as of May 31.
Nigeria’s benchmark daily petrol demand is estimated at 50 million litres, while actual supply averaged 47.4 million litres per day, showing that the country is steadily narrowing the gap between supply and consumption.
With actual daily consumption at 46.3 million litres, the data suggests that current supply levels are largely sufficient to meet nationwide demand and sustain fuel availability.
Diesel consumption averaged 16 million litres per day, while aviation fuel demand stood at 3.1 million litres daily, highlighting stable activity across multiple fuel segments.
The report further showed that Nigeria maintained a healthy fuel reserve position, with petrol stock sufficient for 16 days, diesel for 31 days, aviation fuel for 94 days, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for 11 days.
In the modular refining segment, three operational plants — WalterSmith Refinery, Edo Refinery, and Aradel — jointly supplied an average of 648,000 litres of diesel daily, providing additional support to domestic supply.
The LPG market also recorded strong activity, with daily supply averaging 4,100 metric tonnes, while consumption outpaced supply at 4,500 metric tonnes per day, reflecting sustained demand for cooking gas. Retail prices ranged between ₦1,100 and ₦1,800 per kilogram during the period.
In the gas sector, wholesale supply remained robust at 4.984 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf/d). Of this, 2.851 Bscf/d was supplied to Nigeria LNG, while 2.133 Bscf/d served the domestic market.
The improved performance is attributed to strengthening refining capacity, rising domestic production, and continued investment in critical infrastructure, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline.
Analysts say the development reinforces growing optimism around Nigeria’s energy security, as policymakers intensify efforts to reduce reliance on imported fuel and promote local value addition in the oil and gas sector.
