by Isi Esene

The rumour going the rounds that Nigeria has started importing refined fuel from it northern neighbour, Niger, has been found to be true. This was confirmed by oil market traders and truck drivers who convey the fuel into the country.

A fuel market trader in Katsina told AFP that they have imported about 90 trucks of AGO (Diesel) in the past four months.

The products are said to be from Niger’s Soraz refinery in Zinder, 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the border with Nigeria.

Mr. Mangal, the MD of Mangal petroleum company said, “We secured import licence from the (Nigerian) government for the importation of diesel from the Soraz refinery in Niger which we supply fuel stations in Katsina and neighbouring towns.

“Niger-refined diesel is cheaper than the one Nigeria imports from other countries,” Mangal said.

Several filling stations buy products imported from Nigeria because it is cost-effective to do so. Diesel imported to Katsina sells about N10 below its cost in other parts of the country.

Nigeria, world’s eighth largest oil producer, relies on fuel imports from some foreign countries to meet domestic demands as its four refineries, with a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, are performing grossly below capacity.

Excuse us while we go off somewhere to weep.