Paragraph 1: A New Era in Fuel Distribution
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a landmark partnership with Dangote Refinery and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc to distribute premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across the nation. This collaboration aims to revolutionize fuel distribution, promising consistent pricing and improved value for consumers. PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, confirmed the agreement, emphasizing its potential to eliminate price discrepancies at filling stations nationwide. The agreement incorporates transportation costs, ensuring uniform pricing across different regions. This move signifies a significant shift in the downstream petroleum sector, potentially reshaping the fuel retail landscape in Nigeria.
Paragraph 2: PETROAN’s Vision for Stable Fuel Prices
PETROAN views the partnership as a gesture of goodwill from Dangote Refinery and a commitment to enhancing the Nigerian fuel market. The association expressed optimism about the positive impact this collaboration will have on consumers, anticipating a more stable and predictable fuel pricing landscape. By securing a direct distribution channel with a major refinery, PETROAN aims to bypass intermediaries and streamline the supply chain, ultimately benefiting consumers through standardized prices. This direct engagement with a major refinery marks a departure from the traditional distribution models and positions PETROAN as a key player in shaping the future of fuel retail in Nigeria.
Paragraph 3: Expanding Gas Access Across Nigeria
Beyond petrol distribution, PETROAN also commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing gas distribution and importation licenses to several marketers, including NGML, NIPCO, AXXELA, FALCON, and SNG. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of expanding gas access throughout the country, reaching all 774 local government areas. PETROAN urged the licensees to leverage these licenses to facilitate seamless gas distribution and contribute to the realization of the President’s ambitious energy agenda. The association emphasized the importance of efficient gas distribution in driving economic growth and improving living standards across Nigeria.
Paragraph 4: Strengthening PETROAN’s Internal Structure and Governance
To strengthen its operational capacity and ensure effective implementation of its strategic objectives, PETROAN inaugurated its Lagos State Executive Council. This move underscores the association’s commitment to decentralizing its operations and empowering state-level leadership to address local challenges. The newly appointed council is tasked with tackling critical issues within the petroleum retail sector, including fuel adulteration, manipulation of metering systems, unfair treatment of retail outlet owners by regulatory agencies, and product hoarding. By establishing a robust state-level structure, PETROAN aims to enhance its responsiveness to local market dynamics and protect the interests of its members.
Paragraph 5: Leadership Transition and Collaboration with Lagos State Government
PETROAN announced the election of Akinola Ogunyolemi as the Chairman of its Lagos State chapter, along with other elected officials, including Chief Kayode Owodiye (Vice Chairman), Ehimen Akhere Joseph (Secretary), Mrs. Jane Okoh (Public Relations Officer), Prince Bakare Adeyinka (Treasurer), and Mr. Olugbenga Alex (State Technical Adviser). The National President urged the new leadership to respect the established hierarchy within PETROAN and to prioritize collaboration with the Lagos State Governor. He directed them to formally introduce themselves to the Governor and present their agenda for the state’s petroleum retail sector, fostering a strong working relationship with the state government. This engagement with the state government reflects PETROAN’s commitment to collaborative partnerships and its recognition of the importance of aligning its efforts with state-level priorities.
Paragraph 6: PETROAN’s Commitment to Transparency and Consumer Protection
The inauguration of the Lagos State Executive Council and the directive to engage with the state government highlight PETROAN’s commitment to transparency and accountability. By establishing clear lines of communication and fostering open dialogue with government authorities, the association aims to create a more conducive environment for its members and enhance consumer protection. PETROAN’s focus on tackling issues such as fuel adulteration and meter manipulation underscores its dedication to upholding ethical practices within the petroleum retail sector and ensuring that consumers receive quality products and services. This commitment to transparency and consumer protection reinforces PETROAN’s role as a responsible stakeholder in the Nigerian energy sector.
