Local refining of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, in Nigeria rose to 55.48 million litres in the first half of 2023.

This is higher, relative to 50.19 million litres reported in the corresponding period of 2022, thus showing a growth rate of 10.54 per cent in the first half of 2023.

Similarly, in the same first half of 2023, 26.07 million litres of Household Kerosene (HHK) were locally produced compared to 22.33 million litres in the first half of 2022, indicating a growth rate of 16.79 per cent over the period.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed this in a report said Nigeria imported 11.94 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, during the period in review.

In the report titled “Petroleum Products Distribution Statistics Half Year 2023” this represents an increase of 3.29 per cent when compared to the 11.56 billion litres recorded in the same period of 2022.

In addition, the report highlighted that 2.83 billion litres of AGO, also known as diesel, were imported during the period in review, marking a substantial 49.72 per cent surge compared to the 1.89 billion litres in the corresponding period of 2022.

The reports stated further that “In the first half of 2023, PMS truck out stood at 11.48 billion litres, indicating a 5.83 per cent decrease when compared to 12.19 billion litres recorded in the first half of 2022.

“In terms of imported products, 11.94 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were imported in the first half of 2023 relative to 11.56 billion litres in the corresponding period of 2022, showing an increase of 3.29 per cent.

“Also, 2.83 billion litres of Automotive Gas Oil were imported in the first half of 2023, indicating an increase of 49.72 per cent compared to 1.89 billion litres in the same period of 2022”