Retail fuel marketers have urged the Federal Government to allow the resumption of petrol imports, saying the move would increase competition and help reduce pressure on fuel prices across the country.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said the restriction on imports has limited supply options in the downstream sector, contributing to price instability despite recent improvements in local refining.
The group’s position follows the decision by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to suspend fuel importation, citing increased domestic refining capacity.
PETROAN, however, argued that relying solely on local production without import competition could weaken market efficiency and push prices higher. It said reopening import channels would ensure multiple supply sources and improve product availability nationwide.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Joseph Obele, the association noted that global financial institutions, including the World Bank, have also warned that limited competition in Nigeria’s fuel market could worsen inflation if supply constraints persist.
National President of PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry, said competition remains the most effective way to stabilise prices, stressing that consumers would benefit more from a deregulated and open market.
He added that the recent fuel price increases reflect structural challenges in the downstream sector, including underperforming refineries and supply bottlenecks.
The association further called for a broader reform of Nigeria’s refining system, including the commercial restructuring or privatisation of state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. It also suggested a hybrid model that combines local refining with imports to ensure steady supply.
PETROAN compared the situation to the telecommunications industry, where increased competition among operators improved services and reduced costs for consumers.
While acknowledging investments in domestic refining, including new private facilities, the group said such developments should complement, not replace, import participation in the short term.
It urged the Federal Government, the NMDPRA, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to review current policy direction and reintroduce import licences to strengthen market balance and energy security.
The association said it remains open to collaboration with stakeholders to build a more stable and competitive fuel distribution system that supports the wider economy.
