The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately resume operations at the country’s government-owned refineries, saying the move would help stabilise fuel prices, improve competition and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.

The association made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, on behalf of PETROAN President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry.

According to PETROAN, returning the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries to operation would increase domestic fuel supply, reduce dependence on a single supplier in the downstream petroleum market and serve as a price-check mechanism against market distortions.

The association said the operation of multiple refineries would encourage healthy competition among local refiners, help moderate petroleum product prices and reduce pressure on foreign exchange by increasing local refining capacity.

While reaffirming its support for the deregulation of the petroleum sector and the commercial rights of refinery operators, PETROAN expressed concern that the downstream market could become vulnerable if dominated by a single supplier.

The association linked its concerns to the recent decision by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to adopt United States dollar-denominated pricing for the sale of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel, arguing that the development highlights the need for more operational refineries in the country.

PETROAN noted that petroleum marketers generate their revenue in naira and may now face additional costs and foreign exchange risks if required to purchase petroleum products in dollars.

The association therefore urged the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, to direct the immediate commencement of temporary operations at the government-owned refineries while discussions on a proposed technical partnership with two Chinese firms continue.

It recalled that the refineries were operational before they were shut down in May 2025, adding that their temporary resumption would increase domestic fuel supply, reduce price volatility and provide relief to consumers pending the completion of rehabilitation efforts.

PETROAN further stressed that Nigeria’s long-term energy security should not depend on a single refinery, regardless of its production capacity, insisting that a resilient downstream petroleum sector requires both public and private refineries operating competitively.

The association also called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and full commercial operation of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries, ensure adequate crude oil supply to domestic refiners, sustain policies that promote competition and price stability, and encourage investment in additional modular and conventional refineries.

NNPCL had in April 2026 signed a memorandum of understanding with two Chinese companies to support the completion and operation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries as part of ongoing efforts to restore the country’s refining capacity.

(Photo Credit: Nigeria News)