Tinubu Suspends Implementation of 15% Fuel Import Duty Until Q1 2026

In a surprising shift, President Bola Tinubu has approved the postponement of the planned 15 per cent ad-valorem duty on imported petrol and diesel, originally set to take effect in December 2025.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the implementation of the duty “is no longer in view” for now.

The Agency assured that fuel supply remains adequate and urged the public against hoarding or panic buying.

The duty had been proposed as part of the government’s strategy to support domestic refining—especially boosting output of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery—and reduce the heavy reliance on imported fuel.

However, industry voices warned early on that the duty could hike pump prices sharply, with estimates indicating up to ₦100 extra per litre of petrol.

The postponement appears to be a response to concerns over supply sufficiency and inflation risks.

The NMDPRA’s announcement underscored the desire to ensure “timely replenishment of stocks” and avoid disruptions, especially during a peak demand period.

For consumers: The delay offers temporary relief from a possible immediate price jump, as the fuel importers and marketers prepare for new cost structures.

For Local refiners: It gives a bit more time to ramp up production and adjust before being protected by the levy.

For policy watchers: The postponement underscores the government’s balancing act—pursuing industrial reform while trying to manage cost-of-living pressures.

The exact date in Q1 2026 when the duty will now take effect (if at all) remains unclear.

How the Government will manage exemptions, transitional arrangements and the impact on fuel supply/distribution.

The reaction of importers, marketers and local refiners—in particular, whether import volumes drop, refining output grows, or market prices rise.