A civil rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has strongly criticised the rationing of crude oil to local refineries, describing the policy as “ridiculous” and counterproductive amid rising fuel prices in Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, the group argued that adequate crude supply to domestic refineries would significantly reduce the cost of petrol across the country.
MURIC linked the current surge in fuel prices reportedly reaching as high as ₦1,400 per litre to global tensions, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. However, it questioned why Nigeria, an oil-producing nation with functional refineries, should be affected so severely.
The group revealed that its findings showed local refineries are being under-supplied with crude oil despite Nigeria’s vast reserves. It cited the case of the Dangote Refinery, which reportedly requires about 19.77 million barrels of crude monthly but has consistently received far less.
According to the statement, the refinery received 4.55 million barrels in October 2025, 6.45 million barrels in November, 4.30 million in December, 5.65 million in January 2026, 4.66 million in February, and about 3.60 million barrels as of mid-March 2026.
“This rationing system is inexplicable,” MURIC stated, stressing that local refineries should be prioritised in crude allocation to ensure affordability of refined petroleum products.
The group also raised concerns over reports that local refiners resort to purchasing Nigerian crude through international middlemen at higher prices, a development it described as inefficient and detrimental to national economic interests.
MURIC further warned that continued supply constraints could push local refineries to export their products rather than serve the domestic market, potentially worsening Nigeria’s fuel situation.
Appealing directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the organisation urged immediate intervention by directing the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to meet the crude oil needs of local refineries.
The group emphasised that Nigeria must avoid a return to heavy fuel importation, especially at a time when international markets are increasingly turning to locally refined products.
MURIC concluded by calling for urgent reforms in crude allocation policies, insisting that Nigerians deserve to benefit from the country’s abundant natural resources.
