Restart idle refineries, PETROAN urges govt

The Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have been urged to restart government-owned refineries as rising petroleum prices continue to put pressure on Nigerians.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners, Dr Joseph Obele, made the call in a statement on Thursday, saying domestic refining would increase supply and reduce dependence on imports.

“The immediate approach to the recent rise in petroleum prices is to restart the government-owned refineries,” he said.

Obele said Nigeria should maximise all available refining capacity while encouraging responsible private-sector investment and healthy competition in the downstream petroleum industry.

He expressed concern over rising crude oil prices amid tensions involving the United States and Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Obele noted that Brent crude closed at about $105.83 per barrel on September 16, 2026, while West Texas Intermediate closed at about $102.43 per barrel.

According to him, petrol was selling between N1,400 and N1,500 per litre in some locations, while diesel sold above N2,000 per litre.

“The continuous increase in the cost of petroleum products will invariably affect the prices of virtually all commodities and services. It will create additional inflationary pressure and deepen the financial hardship being experienced by Nigerians,” he warned.

The energy expert urged the Federal Government and NNPC to commence production at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, stressing that domestic refining was critical as petroleum products became increasingly expensive.

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Obele said restarting the refineries before the 2027 general elections would be significant for Nigeria’s energy security and public confidence in the Federal Government.

“The Port Harcourt refinery should become a measurable demonstration of government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. If the refinery is successfully restarted before the 2027 elections, it will give citizens an opportunity to assess the administration’s performance in the petroleum sector based on tangible results.”

“The people are looking for results. A functional Port Harcourt refinery will restore confidence, support economic activities and demonstrate that Nigeria can utilise its own petroleum resources for the benefit of its citizens,” he emphasised.

“The time to restart the Port Harcourt refinery is now. Nigerians cannot continue to bear the unbearable cost of petroleum products when domestic refining capacity is available. Every viable refinery should be optimally utilised in the national interest,” he posited.

Meanwhile, the PETROAN spokesman urged the Federal Government to adopt an inclusive and people-centred approach to the planned resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland.

Obele, who is an indigene of Eleme in Ogoni, said successful resumption of oil exploration required genuine consultation, inclusiveness and attention to the people’s concerns.

“All-inclusiveness and attention to the demands of the people are key to the successful resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni. Selective political interference, logical strategies or military might should not be the option,” he said.

He advised that the people of Ogoni should be treated as critical stakeholders in decisions concerning oil exploration, environmental restoration, community development and economic benefits arising from petroleum activities.

Obele called on the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government, traditional institutions, host communities, regulatory agencies, prospective operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to prioritise meaningful engagement and peaceful resolution of outstanding concerns.