The Federal Government has halted plans to implement a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, a move initially approved by President Bola Tinubu on October 29, 2025. The tariff was intended to raise the landing cost of imported fuel and support local refineries.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) confirmed the development on Thursday. George Ene-Ita, Director of the Authority’s Public Affairs Department, urged the public to avoid panic buying amid the announcement.
The proposed duty, which was set to take effect on November 21, 2025, was recommended by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji. It aimed to apply a 15 per cent levy on the cost, insurance, and freight value of imported petrol and diesel. The goal was to align import costs with domestic market realities and protect local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and modular plants.
Experts had warned that the policy could drive up fuel prices at the pump by as much as ₦150 per litre or more, potentially fueling inflation and increasing transportation costs for consumers.
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NMDPRA Assures Adequate Supply
In a statement, NMDPRA clarified that the government is no longer considering the import duty. “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.
The Authority further assured Nigerians that there is sufficient domestic fuel supply to meet demand. “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,” NMDPRA added.
Ene-Ita also advised against hoarding, panic buying, or any artificial price escalation, emphasizing that the Authority would continue to monitor supply and distribution closely to maintain energy security across the country.
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The suspension of the import duty is expected to ease concerns over rising fuel costs, particularly as the nation enters a peak demand period. NMDPRA thanked stakeholders in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors for ensuring a steady and uninterrupted fuel supply, reiterating its commitment to guaranteeing energy security for all Nigerians.
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