Macroeconomic Policies and Smuggling: An Analysis of Illegal Oil Trade in Nigeria

Author/Editor:

Jian-Ye Wang

Publication Date:

September 1, 1994

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Based on a simple model, the paper provides an explanation for illegal oil trade between Nigeria and its neighboring countries. The analysis focuses on the linkages between the level of smuggling and changes in the Government’s fiscal, monetary, and domestic pricing policies. It is shown that smuggling has implications for inflation and currency depreciation. A vicious circle emerges when financial policies are expansionary and policy makers attempt to hold the domestic sale price of oil constant. Macroeconomic indicators of Nigeria over the period 1986-1993 appear to support the predictions of the model. Policy implications of the analysis are also noted.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1994/115

Subject:

Anti-smuggling Commodities Energy subsidies Exchange rates Expenditure Foreign exchange Oil Oil prices Prices Revenue administration

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 1994

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451942880/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1151994

Pages:

26

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