PETROAN discusses local fuel supply partnership with Azikel Refinery

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has opened talks with Azikel Refinery on a possible partnership to supply locally refined petroleum products to retail outlets across the country. A PETROAN delegation led by its national president, Billy Gillis Harry, visited the refinery in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The team inspected the ongoing project and met the refinery’s chairman, Eruani Godbless, and members of the management team.

Harry said the visit focused on the refinery’s development and operational plans, as well as possible employment opportunities and closer cooperation with retail outlet owners. He described the project as a significant development during the inspection. A central issue was a proposed offtake arrangement under which PETROAN members would obtain petroleum products from the refinery.

The arrangement would be subject to mutually agreed commercial, technical and operational conditions. PETROAN said engagement with indigenous refineries formed part of its effort to expand domestic refining and strengthen the local supply chain. The association said it would continue discussions with refineries, government institutions and other downstream-sector participants.

Harry said practical agreements with local refineries could improve product availability, strengthen supply chains and provide greater certainty for retailers and consumers. He added that stronger domestic refining capacity offered an opportunity to develop Nigeria’s downstream industry. Godbless said Azikel Refinery was the fourth-largest private refinery in Africa and would add value to the oil and gas industry value chain once completed.

The two sides agreed that further discussions would be required to address the proposed partnership’s commercial and operational requirements. No supply volume or start date was announced.