The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has suspended the proposed 15 percent ad-valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as petrol and diesel.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, the Authority said the decision aims to stabilise the domestic supply chain and prevent avoidable price increases in the downstream petroleum sector.
Ene-Ita assured Nigerians that the country currently maintains a “robust domestic supply” of petroleum products, sourced from both local refineries and importers. These supplies, he said, are sufficient to meet national demand and ensure timely replenishment at storage depots and retail stations.
He emphasised that the existing stock levels mean there is no justification for scarcity or price adjustments by marketers. The Authority cautioned operators in the sector against hoarding, panic buying, or arbitrary increases in pump prices, warning that such actions could disrupt the market unnecessarily.
“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 affirmed.
The Federal Government had earlier approved the 15 percent duty as part of a new tariff framework designed to encourage local refining and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
The approval, issued on October 21, 2025, was conveyed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the NMDPRA, with implementation scheduled for November 21 after a 30-day transition period.
However, with concerns rising about potential market disruptions and increased consumer costs, the NMDPRA says maintaining stability is now the priority. The Authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring steady availability and reassured citizens that the current supply situation is strong enough to meet national fuel needs without interruptions.
The suspension is expected to ease public concerns over possible fuel price hikes and maintain calm within the downstream sector as the government continues to balance market reforms with consumer protection.
