The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Thursday announced that it is no longer considering the implementation of the planned 15 per cent duty on imported petroleum products.
The development was disclosed by George Ene-Ita, Director of the Public Affairs Department, NMDPRA, who also urged the public to avoid panic buying.
On October 29, 2025, President Bola Tinubu had approved an import tariff on petrol and diesel, a policy expected to increase the landing cost of imported fuel.
The President’s approval was conveyed in a letter signed by his Private Secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, following a proposal submitted by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji.
The proposal recommended a 15 per cent duty on the cost, insurance, and freight value of imported petrol and diesel, aiming to align import costs with domestic market realities. Implementation had been scheduled to begin on November 21, 2025.
The policy was designed to protect and promote local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and modular plants, by making imported fuel comparatively more expensive. While intended to boost local production, experts warned it could also drive up fuel costs, potentially leading to higher inflation and increased transportation expenses for consumers.
Some analysts estimated that the proposed duty could have added up to ₦150 per litre or more to pump prices.
In a subsequent update, however, NMDPRA confirmed that the government would no longer pursue the import duty on petrol.
“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit and Diesel is no longer in view,” the statement read in part.
The Authority also reassured Nigerians that petroleum supplies remain adequate, maintaining the country’s national sufficiency threshold during the peak demand period.
“There is a robust domestic supply of petroleum products (AGO, PMS, LPG, etc.) sourced from both local refineries and importation to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail stations during this period.
“The Authority wishes to use this opportunity to advise against any hoarding, panic buying or non-market reflective escalation of prices of petroleum products.
“The Authority will continue to closely monitor the supply situation and take appropriate regulatory measures to prevent disruption of supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country, especially during this peak demand period.
“While appreciating the continued efforts of all stakeholders in the midstream and downstream value chain in ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted supply and distribution, the public is hereby assured of NMDPRA’s commitment to guarantee energy security,” the statement concluded.
