Interview: PETROAN President Cautions Tinubu Government and Nigerians about Dangote Refinery

In an exclusive interview with NIGERIA NEWS 247, Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN), advised caution regarding the Dangote Refinery’s impending impact on fuel prices, warning against the potential harm to small businesses in the oil and gas sector. He also addressed various challenges facing the sector and the Nigerian economy.

Excerpts from the interview:

On the Dangote Refinery’s Impact:

Gillis-Harry expressed hope that the Dangote Refinery would operate fully but cautioned that the transition must be managed carefully to avoid harming small businesses. He highlighted the pride in having a major refinery in Nigeria but stressed the need for inclusive business practices to ensure small operators aren’t pushed out.

Quality of Imported Products:

He mentioned that PETROAN members have consistently imported high-quality products, with no significant reports of substandard fuels. He urged the Dangote Refinery to provide empirical evidence for any claims of poor-quality imports, emphasizing the importance of transparency.

Pricing and Regulation:

Discussing fuel pricing, Gillis-Harry noted the difficulty of maintaining current price bands without government intervention. He urged the government to clearly communicate any subsidies or support mechanisms to avoid confusion and ensure fair pricing.

Dangote Refinery’s Role:

Gillis-Harry called for Dangote to engage regularly with industry stakeholders to avoid monopolistic practices. He emphasized the importance of a balanced value chain where refineries, depots, and retailers all play a role in ensuring stable fuel supply and fair pricing.

Domestic Pricing in Naira:

He suggested that crude oil for domestic use should be priced in Naira to reduce dependency on foreign currency and stabilize the local economy. He questioned the rationale behind Dangote importing crude oil, advocating for the use of locally produced oil.

Refinery Deadlines:

Gillis-Harry stressed the need for adherence to deadlines for the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri refineries. He called for better technological planning and accountability to ensure timely completion and operation of these refineries.

Boosting Crude Oil Production:

He highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond crude oil, urging a return to agricultural exports and better management of natural resources. He emphasized the need for technological advancements and detailed operational strategies to manage the oil industry effectively.

Solutions to Fuel Queues:

Gillis-Harry proposed the creation of a war council to address fuel supply issues proactively. He advocated for the use of technology to track and manage fuel distribution, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the supply chain.

Audit of NNPCL:

Supporting former CBN governor Lamido Sanusi’s call for an audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Gillis-Harry emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in all sectors. He called for comprehensive audits to uncover and address financial discrepancies.

Way Forward for the Petroleum Sector:

He urged the adoption of existing solutions and the activation of the Petroleum Industry Act to harness homegrown technology and knowledge. He stressed the need for Nigeria to manage its resources independently, reduce dependency on imports, and promote patriotism to curb corruption and ensure sustainable development.