Nigeria boosts crude oil imports from US to 42 million barrels

Story by Tawheed Yakub

Nigeria’s crude oil purchases from the United States have risen significantly to 42 million barrels, reflecting a shift in the country’s crude sourcing strategy amid changes in global energy markets.

Industry data indicate that the increase follows growing demand by Nigerian refiners for specific grades of crude oil, particularly light sweet crude from the US, which is considered suitable for refining and blending. The development also aligns with efforts to stabilise domestic fuel supply as local refineries gradually scale up operations.

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Energy analysts note that Nigeria’s rising imports from the US come despite the country’s status as Africa’s largest crude oil producer, underscoring ongoing challenges such as crude theft, production shortfalls and infrastructure constraints that have affected local output.

The increased purchases have strengthened energy trade ties between Nigeria and the United States, positioning the US as one of Nigeria’s key crude suppliers in recent months. Market watchers say the trend could continue depending on global pricing, shipping costs and domestic refining capacity.

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Meanwhile, stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector have reiterated calls for sustained reforms to boost local production, reduce reliance on imports and fully optimise the country’s vast hydrocarbon resources.

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