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Significant Growth in Nigeria’s Local Fuel Production in Early 2026
In a remarkable development for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery significantly enhanced the country’s domestic fuel output in January 2026. The facility achieved an average daily production of 40.1 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), marking a substantial improvement in local fuel availability.
Data Insights from Regulatory Authorities
According to recent statistics published by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), this surge represents an increase of approximately 8 million litres per day compared to December 2025’s output of 32 million litres. This upward trend underscores the refinery’s expanding operational capacity and its pivotal role in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.
Implications for Nigeria’s Energy Landscape
The enhanced production capacity at Dangote Petroleum Refinery is a critical milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency. With the country historically dependent on fuel imports, this boost in local refining capability is expected to stabilize fuel prices and improve supply chain reliability. For context, Nigeria’s fuel consumption averages around 45 million litres daily, meaning the refinery now covers nearly 90% of the national demand.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Domestic Refining
As the Dangote refinery continues to optimize its operations, industry experts anticipate further increases in output. This progress aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategic goals to expand its refining infrastructure and reduce foreign exchange expenditure on fuel imports. Additionally, the refinery’s success serves as a model for potential investments in similar projects across Africa, promoting regional energy independence.
