A group of petroleum marketers has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of undermining fair competition in the oil sector by shutting down state-owned refineries and leaning on private facilities.

The Hoscom Bulk Petroleum Retailers said suspending operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite heavy spending on its rehabilitation, has left private operators — especially Dangote Refinery — with an unfair advantage. They stressed that government refineries play a vital role in keeping pump prices in check.

According to the group, NNPCL’s minority stake of 7.2 percent in Dangote Refinery is too small to protect public interest, yet the company continues to rely on it while neglecting its own assets. They warned that this situation could lead to monopoly and higher fuel costs for Nigerians.

The marketers also backed calls by oil workers’ union PENGASSAN for the urgent revival of all four state-owned refineries, saying it would boost jobs, strengthen the economy, and ensure price stability. They urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and ensure the refineries are made operational.