Nigeria is set to receive about 115,000 metric tonnes, approximately 154.2 million litres, of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) this week as five fuel-laden vessels are scheduled to berth at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos and Calabar Port, according to the latest shipping schedule of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The planned arrivals come despite increased domestic refining capacity, indicating that petroleum marketers are continuing to supplement local supply with imported products.
The latest influx of imported petrol also comes days after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a return to the sale of Premium Motor Spirit in naira, alleging that some fuel importers were deliberately holding back their stocks in anticipation of higher prices.
The official, who pleaded for anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, told our correspondent that the refinery’s decision to halt dollar-denominated fuel sales was not because the issue of crude oil shortages had been resolved.
He said the reversal was taken in the interest of the country to prevent fuel scarcity and further increases in petrol prices. According to him, the importers were deliberately holding back their stocks in anticipation of higher fuel prices.
