Petroleum regulators have suspended the planned import duty on petrol and diesel to maintain stable supply.
The agency says fuel availability remains strong nationwide and warns against hoarding or panic buying.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has put on hold the proposed 15% ad-valorem import duty on petrol and diesel. The decision, according to the agency, is to keep the supply chain stable and avoid price increases that could affect consumers.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, the Authority said it is working to maintain a steady flow of petroleum products across the country. He assured Nigerians that supplies from local refineries and importers remain strong and sufficient to meet national needs.
“There is robust domestic supply of petroleum products, sourced from both local refineries and importation, to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail stations during this period,” the statement said.
The Authority also warned marketers against hoarding, panic buying or unnecessary price changes, noting that there is no shortage that should lead to such actions. It added that the proposed 15% duty on imported petrol and diesel “is no longer in view,” confirming that the policy has been suspended.
The Federal Government had earlier approved the tariff as part of a new framework aimed at supporting local refining, cutting down on import levels and matching import charges with the realities of domestic production. The approval, issued in a letter dated October 21, 2025, was sent to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the NMDPRA, with the implementation initially fixed for November 21, 2025 after a 30-day transition window.
With the suspension now in place, the Authority says it will continue to monitor the market to ensure stable supply and prevent any disruption for consumers.
