The Nigerien government has prohibited the export of locally produced premium petrol and diesel, prioritising domestic consumption amid fuel supply disruptions affecting filling stations in the capital, Niamey.
The restriction was introduced through a ministerial order signed on October 12, 2026, by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Abdoulaye Seydou, and announced publicly on October 17.
Under the directive, locally produced petrol and diesel must first meet domestic demand before any surplus can be considered for export.
However, exports of excess supplies by the state-owned petroleum company, SONIDEP, and the Zinder refinery operator, SORAZ, may be permitted with special authorisation from the minister responsible for trade.
Article One of the order expressly prohibits the export of premium petrol and diesel, while making domestic supply the priority.
The government has also empowered officials of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, customs authorities, and defence and security forces to identify violations and enforce penalties in accordance with existing laws.
The decision comes amid fuel distribution challenges in Niamey and growing concerns over the stability of global petroleum supplies.
Niger’s move follows similar restrictions introduced by several countries seeking to protect their domestic markets from international energy disruptions. Countries including China, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan have also imposed restrictions on refined petroleum exports in 2026.
Global energy market concerns have intensified amid the conflict involving Iran and attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Brent crude oil briefly climbed to $110 per barrel on Friday, October 16, its highest level since May, as fears of further supply disruptions unsettled the market.
Russia, meanwhile, partially relaxed its diesel export restrictions in October following an agreement with United States President Donald Trump to increase diesel supplies to international markets.
The development has renewed attention on how governments are responding to energy supply uncertainties by prioritising domestic consumption over international sales.
In Nigeria, the petroleum sector continues to grapple with a dispute over fuel import licences as domestic refining capacity expands following the commencement of operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
On September 28, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to continue issuing petroleum product import licences to Matrix Energy, AA Rano and AYM Shafa.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE subsequently approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking permission to challenge the ruling.
In a motion filed on October 6, the refinery sought to contest the directive requiring the regulator to continue granting import licences to the three oil marketers.
The dispute highlights the continuing debate over fuel imports, domestic refining and the policies needed to balance competition with the protection of local petroleum production.
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