PETROAN has urged the government to ensure open competition and fair access in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
The group warned that monopoly by big players could threaten smaller marketers and market stability.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called for open competition and fair access in the downstream oil market to prevent monopoly and sustain Nigeria’s deregulated energy sector.
Speaking at the OTL Downstream Week 2025 in Lagos, PETROAN President Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry said the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023 created a N1.2 trillion market now growing at five percent annually, but warned that unchecked dominance by large players could harm smaller marketers.
He explained that while deregulation encouraged transparency, it also exposed retailers to higher operational costs and tighter profit margins. According to him, “A diverse market where modular refineries, NNPC, Dangote Refinery, and independent marketers all operate freely is essential for the sector’s growth.”
Gillis-Harry said PETROAN had proposed policies to promote price stability and protect consumers from volatility caused by global oil shocks. He commended regulators for efforts to ensure fairness but urged stronger oversight to prevent price manipulation.
He noted that independent retailers play a vital role in job creation and rural development, warning that “without fair access to supply and distribution networks, they risk being pushed out by larger firms.”
The PETROAN president also highlighted new industry trends such as smart fuel stations, on-demand delivery, and renewable-powered outlets offering LPG, CNG, and electric vehicle charging.
He advised the government to strengthen digital licensing systems, support local refining, and tackle challenges like poor road networks, vandalism, and storage gaps.
According to him, the future of Nigeria’s downstream sector lies in regional hubs, modular refineries, and technology-driven transparency. “The future of downstream energy is open, competitive, and inclusive,” Gillis-Harry said.
