The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has directed exploration and production companies to strictly adhere to the Crude Oil Supply Obligations for local refineries.

The commission also warned that it would deny export permits for crude oil cargoes intended for domestic refining if oil companies fail to meet their local crude supply commitments.

The UPRC said in a circular issued on Monday that any changes to cargoes designated for domestic refining should receive express approval from the Commission’s Chief Executive.

This directive follows complaints from local refiners, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, over difficulties in securing adequate crude supplies, raising concerns about Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.

According to NUPRC data, the Dangote refinery is expected to process 550,000 barrels per day and 17.05 million barrels per month in the first half of the year.

GIK/APA