The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has indicated that the recent petrol price reduction by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is expected to drive market competition, ultimately benefiting consumers.
This perspective was shared in separate statements by the association’s national public relations officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, and its national president, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry.
Last week, Dangote Refinery lowered the price of petrol for marketers from N970 to N899.50 per litre, aiming to ease transportation costs during the festive period.
Similarly, just days ago, NNPC Limited, in collaboration with MRS, announced a reduction in petrol prices to N935 per litre across its retail outlets nationwide.
Dr. Joseph Obele noted that the NNPC’s actions represent a notable response to the competitive dynamics introduced by deregulation in the downstream sector.
He referred to the situation as a “price war” and highlighted that the price cuts by Dangote Refinery and NNPCL showcase the advantages of healthy competition.
According to The Nation, Obele also called for the swift privatization of government-owned refineries.
He said:
Dr. Joseph Obele commended the NNPCL for addressing the demand for more affordable petrol prices.
He expressed confidence that the cost of petrol would decrease further by the end of January 2025, citing the global drop in crude oil prices and the recent strengthening of the naira against the dollar.
Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry described the price reduction as a positive development, noting that it would provide much-needed relief to motorists and Nigerians, especially during the holiday season.
He said:
Gillis-Hary also praised Dangote Refinery for its earlier decision to lower prices, noting that this move had effectively spurred competition within the downstream sector.
In related news, TimesNow.com.ng earlier reported that the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) disclosed a significant reduction in the landing cost of petrol.
The association stated that petrol landing cost dropped to N970 per litre in December from N971 recorded in November.
MEMAN also said that the drop in landing cost was due to the decline in crude oil prices and exchange volatility.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
