Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved another round of import permits for petrol and diesel ahead of the third quarter of 2026 (July – September) as authorities move to bridge potential supply gaps in the domestic market.

The latest approvals were issued, Tuesday, to major downstream operators amid declining fuel stock levels and concerns over reduced fuel production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

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The fresh approvals were given to AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono, Matrix Energy, Nipco, and Pinnacle for petrol importation.

This is also as AA Rano, AYM Shafa, Bono, Matrix Energy, and Pinnacle received approval to bring in diesel.

The new permits follow an earlier batch of petrol import licences issued in May.

Although the latest approvals were initially expected by June 15, industry sources said they were finalised after some delays.

Under the new allocation, AA Rano and Matrix Energy received approval to import 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol each, while Pinnacle was allocated 150,000 metric tonnes and AYM Shafa 120,000 metric tonnes.

For diesel, AYM Shafa received approval for 60,000 metric tonnes, while Pinnacle was cleared for 45,000 metric tonnes.

Additional approvals may still be issued, with total petrol import allocations expected to surpass 800,000 metric tonnes when the regulatory exercise is concluded.

The latest regulatory action comes against the backdrop of tightening fuel inventories.

NMDPRA data showed that petrol stock sufficiency declined to 16 days in May, while diesel inventory cover stood at 31 days during the same period.

Oracle Intelligence recalls that the earlier May import permits by the NMDPRA were granted to six major oil marketers to import a combined total of 720,000 metric tonnes petrol into Nigeria to address the scarcity of the product during the period.

The beneficiaries include; NIPCO, AA Rano, Matrix, Shafa, Pinnacle, and Bono.

According to allocation details, NIPCO is expected to import 120,000 metric tonnes; AA Rano, 150,000 metric tonnes; Matrix, 150,000 metric tonnes; Shafa, 120,000 metric tonnes; Pinnacle, 120,000 metric tonnes; and Bono, 60,000 metric tonnes.