Nigeria's fuel importation has seen a surprising surge in October, despite the country's largest single train oil refinery being fully operational for months. According to a report by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Company (OPEC), the country imported a higher volume of petrol in October compared to September, which is ironic given the refinery's production capacity.

The development has raised eyebrows, especially since the refinery started producing petrol in September, which was expected to drastically reduce the amount of petrol being imported from external markets. However, complications within the oil sector in Nigeria have led to the country still relying heavily on imported petrol, with at least four vessels carrying petroleum products recorded at the borders of the West African country.

The news is significant for startups and entrepreneurs in the energy sector, as it highlights the challenges and opportunities that exist in Nigeria's oil industry. Despite the country's efforts to increase domestic production, the reliance on imported fuel persists, creating a market gap that startups can potentially fill.