By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Government has suspended the proposed 15 per cent ad-valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as petrol and diesel.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the suspension in a statement on Thursday, assuring Nigerians of sufficient fuel supply across the country despite increased demand during the peak season.
“It should 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 Authority stated.
President Bola Tinubu had last month approved the import duty through a letter dated October 21, 2025, conveyed by his Private Secretary, Damilotun Aderemi, to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the NMDPRA. The move had drawn concerns from oil marketers, who warned that it would raise fuel prices and worsen supply challenges.
Reassuring Nigerians, the NMDPRA said domestic refineries and importation channels are ensuring a steady inflow of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to maintain market stability.
The Authority added that it is closely monitoring supply and distribution networks nationwide to prevent disruptions or artificial scarcity, while cautioning marketers and depot operators against hoarding, panic buying, or arbitrary price increases.
