Crude Oil Imports Surge by 26.5% as Dangote Refinery Boosts Demand

By Diafa Doubra,

Nigeria’s crude oil imports rose sharply by 26.5 percent in the first half of 2025, reaching about 5.67 million metric tons, according to fresh data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.

Analysts attribute the increase largely to the activities of the Dangote Refinery, which has stepped up crude intake since beginning operations earlier this year. The refinery, which is Africa’s largest, is said to have played a pivotal role in driving import figures as it seeks to stabilize local fuel supply and reduce the nation’s heavy reliance on imported refined products.

Industry observers note that while the refinery is expected to ease the country’s long-standing fuel shortages, the rising volume of crude imports underscores challenges in meeting domestic demand through local production. They warn that unless Nigeria strengthens its upstream output, the gains from the refinery may be offset by growing import bills.

Government officials, however, maintain that the current surge is a transitional phase. They express optimism that as the Dangote facility scales up, Nigeria will eventually cut back on refined product imports, saving billions of dollars in foreign exchange.