The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed concerns over the Dangote Refinery’s plan to distribute petrol and diesel freely to retail outlets and large users across the country.
PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the move would lead to job losses and monopoly, and urged the Federal Government and industry regulators to intervene.
Gillis-Harry, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief programme on Tuesday., said, “If one company that is as massive as our brother’s (Aliko Dangote) can do all of this, of course, it is going to take us out of business”.
He further aaid that the move by Dangote Refinery to commence free distribution of fuel by August would lead to job loss and monopoly.
The refinery plans to commence free distribution of petrol and diesel by August 15, 2025, using 4,000 brand-new CNG-powered tankers.
The association is disturbed that the move would put marketers, depot owners, truck operators, and retail outlets out of business, leading to job losses.
PETROAN urged the regulators to correctly interpret and enforce the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to protect the interests of stakeholders.
Gillis-Harry emphasised the need for fair competition, saying “we don’t want one strong man but many strong men.”
He stressed that everyone should operate within their licensed capacity, and that the Dangote Refinery should not be allowed to dominate the market.
Gillis-Harry warned that the plan would lead to job losses and have a negative impact on the economy
