Nigeria's fuel marketers push for strategic petrol reserves amid supply worries

Nigeria’s fuel marketers, organized by an influential import-focused trade group, have asked the state to establish strategic reserves of gasoline and other refined products to cushion against external supply shocks. While Aliko Dangote’s new refinery, capable of processing 650,000 barrels a day, now provides roughly 80% of the country’s petrol, total fuel availability dropped 6% compared with the same period last year.

The trade group praised the refinery’s output but cautioned that routine maintenance and technical glitches could threaten a steady supply. It therefore advocates maintaining a diversified fuel framework that includes both imported and domestically produced stocks. A parliamentary hearing this one outlet highlighted the ongoing friction between importers and refiners, with marketers reiterating their call for reserve capacity. The proposal aims to ensure energy security regardless of future market volatility.