Nigeria’s Daily Petrol Consumption Surges Past 63 Million Litres
Official data for December 2025 reveals a significant surge in Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption, reaching 63.7 million litres per day. This figure, published by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in its monthly fact sheet, substantially exceeds both the previous month’s average of 52.9 million litres and the official 2025 daily benchmark of 50 million litres. The increase underscores rising domestic demand and evolving supply dynamics within the nation’s fuel market.
The report highlights the growing role of domestic refining, particularly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Its supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) improved markedly, rising from 19.47 million litres per day in November to an average of 32.01 million litres per day in December. The regulator noted this performance reflected a 71% capacity utilization rate. In a statement, the NMDPRA attributed the overall PMS supply increase to “significant improvement in supply from DPRP.” Conversely, Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna recorded zero petrol production, remaining shut down or under rehabilitation.
Trends for other fuels presented a mixed picture. Domestic diesel (AGO) supply declined to 17.9 million litres per day from 20.4 million, even as consumption rose. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply saw modest growth, signalling increased adoption. The performance of modular refineries remained steady, with an average capacity utilization of 63.24%.
The December 2025 figures clearly illustrate the widening gap between official fuel consumption benchmarks and actual market demand. This sustained pressure on supply coincides with broader national discussions on energy policy and economic stability. The data emerges amidst other significant national developments, such as when the Health Minister denies claims about vaccine shortages, the Bauchi Governor appoints new commissioners, and the reflection on Stella Obasanjo’s 20th memorial. On the international stage, events like Ouattara set fourth term plans in Côte d’Ivoire and continued partnerships where China supports Nigeria’s infrastructure goals also shape the regional context. The NMDPRA’s data provides a crucial snapshot of Nigeria’s energy landscape as it navigates these complex domestic and international currents.
