Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has suspended plans to introduce a 15 percent import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), averting a potential surge in fuel prices and inflation.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the decision on Thursday via its official X handle, assuring Nigerians that the measure “is no longer in view.”
“The public is hereby assured of NMDPRA’s commitment to guarantee energy security,” said George Ene-Ita, Director of Public Affairs. He confirmed that the country’s fuel stock remains within the approved sufficiency threshold even as demand increases toward the year’s end.
The duty, previously approved by President Bola Tinubu in October, was designed to support local refining capacity and stabilise fuel supply. However, the proposal drew sharp criticism from petroleum marketers and civil society groups, who warned it would trigger another round of price hikes and worsen the cost-of-living crisis.
Analysts described the reversal as a pragmatic move. “It’s a necessary relief at a time when citizens are struggling with high transport and energy costs,” said Abuja-based economist Dr. Uche Okeke.
The suspension underscores the government’s effort to balance energy affordability with revenue generation amid volatile global oil markets. Industry experts say the decision may also give local refiners, including the new Dangote Refinery, time to stabilise operations before new tariffs are reconsidered.
With the policy on hold, authorities have pledged to intensify monitoring of the downstream sector to ensure consistent supply and pricing transparency nationwide.
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