Despite the Dangote Refinery becoming operational and the resumption of activities at two state-owned refineries, Nigeria continues to import blended Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from Malta, according to energy analyst Kelvin Emmanuel.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Monday, Emmanuel revealed that between October 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, mid- and downstream sector players, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), imported approximately 3.8 billion liters of blended PMS from Malta.
He further noted that imports persist at a rate of 180,000 metric tons (mt) per month as of mid-2024, raising questions about Nigeria’s reliance on foreign fuel despite domestic refining investments.
Blended Malta PMS refers to petrol that has been mixed with additives or secondary components at storage hubs like Malta, a key player in global fuel blending due to its strategic Mediterranean location, tax incentives, and advanced storage infrastructure.
Blending allows customization of fuel to meet specific regional standards—such as octane ratings, environmental regulations, or sulfur content—without requiring full-scale refining. For Nigeria, this practice suggests potential gaps in local refining capacity or challenges in producing PMS that meets the nation’s fuel specifications.
Emmanuel’s disclosure highlights lingering inefficiencies in Nigeria’s energy sector, despite efforts to revive state refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, and the Dangote Refinery’s projected 650,000-barrel-per-day output.
Industry observers speculate that continued imports may stem from unresolved production bottlenecks, subsidy-related financing models, or contractual obligations. The reliance on blended Malta PMS also underscores ongoing foreign exchange pressures, as fuel imports drain reserves and exacerbate currency volatility.
While the NNPCL has yet to comment on the specifics of Malta-linked imports, the situation reflects broader challenges in achieving energy self-sufficiency. Analysts urge transparency in import contracts and accelerated rehabilitation of domestic refineries to curb dependency on foreign fuel and stabilize Nigeria’s downstream sector.
