The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to reopen the nation’s refineries before December to prevent possible fuel shortages and price increases during the festive season.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, PETROAN President Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry commended President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, describing it as a positive move that could boost local refining and promote energy security.
He, however, warned that poor implementation of the policy could cripple fuel importation, force marketers out of business, and lead to scarcity.
“NNPC must complete its partnership agreements quickly and begin production at Nigeria’s refineries before December to avert any form of fuel scarcity or price hike during the Yuletide season,” Harry said.
He also called on NNPC to ensure steady crude oil supply to domestic refineries, adding that the success of the new policy depends on adequate feedstock availability.
Harry advised fuel importers to begin sourcing products locally, saying the policy would only succeed if refineries like Dangote, Port Harcourt, and Warri operate at full capacity.
He further urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to guard against monopoly, warning that poor regulation could harm the downstream market.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has defended the 15% import tariff, saying it is part of the Tinubu administration’s strategy to strengthen local refining and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the new policy is “a bridge, not a burden,” aimed at transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and creating long-term economic stability.
He added that as local refineries resume production, fuel supply will increase, and pump prices are expected to stabilise over time.
The policy, which takes effect after a 30-day transition period ending on November 21, 2025, is expected to make imported fuel less competitive and encourage domestic production.
Latest industry data show that imported petrol still accounts for about 69% of Nigeria’s total fuel consumption, underlining the urgency to revive the nation’s refineries.
