Nigeria has imported crude oil from Libya for the first time on record, with about two million barrels delivered in May 2026, as local refiners increasingly seek alternative feedstock sources amid domestic supply shortages.
Data from the Energy Research Unit, cited by Libyan media outlet Libya Review, showed that Nigeria imported approximately 64,500 barrels of Libyan crude per day during the month. The shipment is the first recorded import of Libyan crude by Nigeria since available records began in 2013.
The development comes despite Nigeria’s position as a major crude oil producer and exporter. Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the country’s largest crude importer, has been sourcing supplies from several countries to support its growing operations.
In 2024, reports emerged that the Dangote refinery was in discussions to purchase Libyan crude, although Libya’s National Oil Corporation denied holding negotiations with any Nigerian refinery at the time and reaffirmed its commitment to existing contracts and established crude sales procedures.
However, the latest imports suggest that an arrangement has now been concluded. The refinery, which currently has a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and aims to increase this to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, has expanded its crude sourcing strategy. According to S&P Global Energy data, the refinery has already imported crude grades from Angola, Ghana, Guyana and Libya in 2026.
The imports come as local refiners continue to complain about inadequate domestic crude supplies. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the country produced 216.85 million barrels of crude oil between January and May 2026, of which about 148.9 million barrels, valued at approximately N20.22tn, were exported by international and indigenous oil companies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The exports represented about 68.7 per cent of Nigeria’s total crude production during the period, leaving roughly 67.95 million barrels available for domestic refining, storage, operational use and inventory adjustments.
The importation of Libyan crude also coincides with adjustments in global oil markets following supply disruptions linked to tensions between the United States and Iran and challenges affecting shipments through the Gulf region. These developments have enabled Libya to expand its presence in African and European energy markets.
Libya has also strengthened energy relations with neighbouring countries. Egypt resumed imports of Libyan crude in 2026, purchasing about 33,000 barrels per day in April after importing 57,000 barrels per day in February, as part of plans to source more than one million barrels monthly from Libya. Tunisia also increased its purchases, importing about 19,000 barrels per day in March and 10,000 barrels per day in May.
Italy remained Libya’s largest crude customer in May, importing about 348,000 barrels per day, representing nearly one-third of the country’s exports. Greece, Spain and Turkey were also among Libya’s leading buyers.
Meanwhile, the Dangote refinery recently acquired two cargoes of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, marking its first-ever purchase of Middle Eastern crude and signalling a further diversification of its feedstock sources amid persistent domestic supply constraints.