Despite the petroleum product scarcity that Nigerians faced in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1’23), fuel remained at the top of the import chart with a total of 827,080 metric tons imported during that period.Industry sources have informed Vanguard that a significant portion of the imported petroleum products was diverted to neighboring countries. This information aligns with the details found in the daily Shipping Position document from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which confirms that bulk wheat ranked second on the import chart with 433,774 metric tons. Following closely, bulk sugar secured the third position with 242,755 metric tons.The breakdown of imported petroleum products reveals that in January, 185,546 metric tons were received through the ports in Lagos. The following month, February, saw a total of 391,425 metric tons imported. March, however, had the lowest import volume for the quarter, with 155,676 metric tons recorded.The import of petroleum products encompassed various types, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automated Gas Oil (AGO) or Diesel, Aviation Fuel, and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK). During the quarter, the import figures for PMS were as follows: 185,546 metric tons in January, 391,425 metric tons in February, and the lowest of 155,676 metric tons in March.
Bulk wheat importation recorded 172,851 metric tons in January, followed by 141,441 metric tons in February and 217,792 metric tons in March.
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Bulk gypsum imports amounted to a total of 316,550 metric tons, with 155,470 metric tons in January, 48,680 metric tons in February, and 111,100 metric tons in March.
Salt had a recorded import volume of 88,750 metric tons, while 66,560 metric tons of fish were imported during the first quarter.
Containerized cargoes also made a significant contribution, with a total of 28,596 containers arriving through the Apapa quay, the country’s premier port. The breakdown of containerized imports showed 14,455 containers in February, 8,193 containers in January, and 5,948 containers in March.In a notable occurrence, Char-Coal made an appearance on the import chart after several years, with a total of 49,759 metric tons imported in the month of January. Additionally, Palm oil recorded a total of 20,999 metric tons in the month of January as well.
