PETROAN seeks fuel supply for Nigerians’ benefit

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has opened talks with Azikel Refinery for a structured offtake partnership to supply locally refined petroleum products to retail outlets across the country.

The PETROAN delegation, led by its National President, Dr Billy Gillis Harry, visited the refinery in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where the team was received by the Chairman of Azikel Refinery, Dr Eruani Godbless, and members of the refinery’s management team.

A statement said the delegation was at the Azikel Refinery to inspect the ongoing work, describing the project as “wonderful.”

“Today, we have come to see Azikel Refinery in the South-South. All the chairmen in the South-South in the oil and gas industry are here to see what is going on in Azikel Refinery,” he stated.

Harry said the visit also focused on the development and operational plans of the refinery, as well as opportunities for employment and stronger collaboration with retail outlet owners.

A major part of the meeting was the proposed offtake arrangement, under which PETROAN members would have access to petroleum products from the refinery based on mutually agreed commercial, technical and operational terms.

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According to PETROAN, the visit was part of efforts to expand domestic refining capacity and strengthen local supply, adding that collaboration with indigenous refineries formed part of its broader engagement with stakeholders across the downstream value chain.

The association said it would continue to engage domestic refineries, government institutions and other industry players to promote a more efficient, competitive and sustainable petroleum products market in Nigeria.

Harry assured that PETROAN was committed to working with indigenous refineries to strengthen the downstream sector and improve access to locally-refined products.

“The growth of domestic refining capacity presents an important opportunity for Nigeria. As retailers, we want to build practical partnerships with indigenous refineries that can improve product availability, strengthen supply chains and create greater certainty for businesses and consumers,” he said.

Responding, Godbless said the refinery was the fourth-largest private refinery in Africa. He assured the delegation that, once completed, the project would add value to the oil and gas industry value chain.

Both parties agreed on the need for continued engagement to address the commercial and operational requirements of the proposed partnership.‎