… Seeks oil producers support for smooth implementation of PIA***
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Bauchi State, has cautioned petroleum marketers against unauthorised hike in pump price and hoarding of the product.
Abdullahi Iliyasu, NUPRC’s Operations Controller in Bauchi, gave the warning in an interview with the newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday.
His warning came against the backdrop of long queues in some fuel servicing stations in parts of the state.
Iliyasu said that the Federal Government has not increased the price of the product, warning that defaulting marketers found shortchanging consumers would be sanctioned appropriately.
He said that the official pump price remains between N162 and N165 per litre.
The controller said that the department would intensify surveillance in the over 500 filling stations across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state, to enforce compliance with the existing pump price regime.
He attributed the recent queues in filling stations to the shortfall in supply from the depots in Gombe, Kano and Jos, saying “we are working toward resolving the hitches.
“We constantly check against instances of diversion and other sharp practices.
“Reports indicated that some filling stations outside Bauchi metropolis were dispensing fuel at N170 per liter.
“This is unacceptable, we have since embarked on patrol across filling stations in the state,” he said.
According to him, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has enough products to sustain regular supply for over one month.
When contacted Malam Anas Suleiman, Spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), attributed the long queues in filling stations to a decrease in the supply of the product.
Suleiman said that the initial product cost at the depots was N148.26k but now rose to N157.50k hence the hike in price.
In the same vein, the newly created Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has solicited the support of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) for the smooth implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer, NUPRC, made the call in his maiden meeting with top OPTS members on Wednesday in Lagos.
The newsmen report that the OPTS comprised of 29 companies who are the major players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Present at the meeting were Mr Rick Kennedy, Chairman, OPTS and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Ltd., Mr Osagie Okunbor, Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Mr Mike Sangster, Managing Director, TotalEnergies Nigeria.
Others were Mr Richard Laing, Managing Director, ExxonMobil Nigeria Ltd. and Mr Roberto Daniele, Managing Director, ENI Companies in Nigeria.
Komolafe noted that the OPTS was a critical stakeholder and partner in the development and operations of upstream assets in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
He said the NUPRC was established following the signing of the PIA by President Muhammadu Buhari on Aug. 16 and was aimed at optimising the sector’s contribution to national development.
“The implementation of the PIA is very germain to the president and this current administration and he has given us a period of six to 12 months to begin to deliver some of the key deliverables.
“It is against this backdrop that I have decided to host this meeting in Lagos to reinforce my acknowledgment of your association and to solicit your collaboration as industry stakeholders,” Komolafe said.
He noted that the meeting was coming at a critical time when the clamour from the global community was focused on energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.
According to him, this has resulted in funding challenges for exploration activities being faced by the companies.
He said the meeting was to familiarise the commission with the OPTS members and listen to the challenges hindering optimisation of key areas in the upstream sector.
“Permit me also to say that this is the first in the series of engagements with you as our vision is to build a 21st century regulator that will be fair, just and be a critical business enabler in the upstream petroleum sector.
“It is in this wise that we urge you all to join hands with us in building confidence in the industry for robust investment,” Komolafe said.
Responding, Kennedy while congratulating Komolafe on his appointment, assured him of the support and cooperation of the OPTS in achieving the mandate of the commission.
Kennedy said the establishment of the commission forms a major milestone in the reforms being made in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, especially the passage of the PIA.
He, however, noted that the OPTS would need collaboration with the commission regarding some of the key timelines in the implementation of the PIA.
Kennedy said the areas included the incorporation of development trusts for host communities, installation of flare meters as well as gas flare and monetisation plan.
He said the challenges faced by the companies were high operating cost, security, lengthy contract cycle, multiple levies and taxes, among others.
