The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised serious concerns, alleging that oil producers were diverting 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil intended for local refineries.
The claim was made public on Wednesday amid ongoing discussions about the challenges facing Nigeria’s refining sector.
The association’s publicity secretary, Joseph Obele, who made this known, emphasised that the diversion of the crude allocations has led to the abandonment of many refineries, which were struggling to operate due to insufficient feedstock.
Obele accused oil producers of prioritising quick foreign exchange gains over compliance with domestic supply obligations.
The PETROAN spokesman commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for recently banning the export of crude oil allocated for domestic refining, a move they believed will enhance local refining capabilities and reduce the nation’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
He stated, “Approximately 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day are allocated for domestic refining, but these volumes often find their way to the international market.”
The situation has prompted calls for immediate action against both producers and companies that fail to adhere to the new regulations.
The issue has sparked a heated debate among industry stakeholders. While oil producers argue that local refineries often do not meet commercial terms, refiners counter that producers are neglecting their supply commitments in favour of international markets. This ongoing blame game complicates efforts to stabilize local crude supply and improve refinery operations.
PETROAN’s national president, Billy Gillis-Harry, urged swift enforcement of the export ban to ensure that local refineries receive their fair share of crude oil.
He expressed optimism that this policy could lead to a more self-sufficient refining sector in Nigeria, ultimately benefiting consumers through reduced prices and improved product availability.