PETROAN urges refinery revival and pursues local supply deals

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) is advocating for the revival of government-owned refineries to enhance national energy security and market competition. PETROAN National President Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry has urged President Bola Tinubu to compel the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to restore these idle assets before the 2027 elections. The association argues that increased domestic refining capacity would reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and exert downward pressure on petroleum product prices.

In a parallel effort to strengthen local supply, PETROAN has initiated discussions with Azikel Refinery in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. A delegation led by Dr. Gillis-Harry visited the facility to inspect ongoing work and propose a structured offtake partnership. This arrangement would allow PETROAN members to access locally refined products under agreed commercial and technical terms, supporting the association’s broader goal of engaging indigenous refineries to create a more sustainable downstream sector.