The refined petroleum products imported into the country through the nation’s seaports grew by 10.3 percent to 4,886,001 metric tons in the first quarter (Q1) as against the 4,431,318 metric tons recorded in the period in 2012.
According to the first quarter import report released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the 10.3 percent increase in importation of refined petroleum products was due to the stability in the oil and gas industry. This resulted from the conclusion of oil subsidy probe in 2012 as well as the subsequent resumption of importation of refined crude oil.
Also, the ports witnessed an increased gross tonnage of coastal vessels and cargo traffic in the period under review compared to first quarter of 2012.
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Available statistics show that a total of 2,237,822 metric tons of coastal vessels called Nigerian ports in the first quarter, showing about 23 percent rise from 1,810,423 recorded in 2012. While the laden container throughput stood at 216,110 Twenty Equivalent Units (TEUs) representing a growth of 2.9 percent over the 210,057 TEUs of containers recorded in the first quarter of 2012.
In a related development, the NPA’s daily shipping position has disclosed that a total number of 111 ship loads of different kinds of cargoes are expected to berth in Nigeria this June.
According to the shipping position, the 111 vessels are to come into the country with containers, rice, vehicles, general cargo, bulk salt, premium motor spirit (PMS), bulk wheat, DPK, fish, steel, AGO, bulk fertiliser, crude palm oil, bulk gypsum and crude oil.
BusinessDay findings show that a total of 35 vessels are to come into the country with about 14,536 full container loads of cargoes; 25 vessels are also expected to bring in 9,810 new and used vehicles while 10 vessels are to come in with 54,817.97 metric tons of general cargo in the month of June.
