Marketers, Local Refiners Disagree Over Fuel Imports

The Crude Oil Refineries Association of Nigeria (CORAN) is calling on the Federal Government to restrict fuel imports and prioritize domestic refining.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) on the other hand argues that the importation window should remain open to prevent shortages.

“Who has truly demonstrated faith in Nigeria’s downstream sector—local refinery companies or petroleum importers? The answer is not ideological. It is grounded in evidence, capital behaviour, and long-term commitment,” CORAN stated.

PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasized the need for multiple sources of energy.

“We stated in our prospect for the year that in the whole of 2026, the window for importation should remain open. That’s our position for the year,” he said.

The debate highlights two competing downstream philosophies: local refinery companies believe in domestic value addition, energy security, and long-term economic resilience, while import-reliant operators prioritise continued access to ports, FX windows, and permissive import regimes.