Experts Call For Full Implementation Of PIA To Streamline Operations In Nigeria’s Downstream Petroleum Sector, Seek End To Lubricant Counterfeiting

The Major Energies Marketers Association Of Nigeria MEMAN Says Application Of Stringent Quality Assurance Measures, Collaboration With Stakeholders, Enhanced Monitoring, And Stronger Regulations Are Necessary Tools Needed To Ending The Increasing Spate Of Lubricant Counterfeiting Across Nigeria With A Call That There Is Also The urgent Need To Ensure Rigorous Quality Control Through Regular Inspections And Certifications.

The Call By MEMAN Came During A Stakeholders Webinar Where Public Awareness Campaigns To Educate Consumers On The Dangers Of Counterfeit Lubricants Was Also Mentioned Including The Need To Carry Out More Promotion Of Verifiable Products.

The webinar Which Was A Gathering Of Energy Experts Including Senior Energy Media Editors Also Took Advantage of The Webinar To Call For Partnership Between Stakeholders And The Relevant Law Enforcement Agencies To Prosecute Counterfeiters And Implementing Stricter Penalties Amongst Others.

The Webinar Also Touched On Supply Diversity With The Submission That Supply Diversity Enhances Competition In The Petroleum Industry, But Noted That Such Diversity Can Only Be Supported Through The Effective Implemention Of The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 To Streamline Operations And Reduce Costs In Refining Or Importing Petroleum Products.

Some Of The Key Recommendations At The Webinar In Growing The Nigerian Oil And Gas Sector Environment include The Recommendation Which Emphasises On Engaging Stakeholders To Ensure Cost Recovery For Refiners And PMS Importers, Resisting Anti-Competitive Practices, And Enforcing Fair Competition Through NMDPRA and FCCPC. Transparency In The Downstream Value Chain And Managing Price Volatility Through Monthly Guided Prices .

Other Recommendations Include, Repositioning And Adequate Funding Of NNPCL Pipelines With Storage Under A PPP Arrangement, Encouraging Alternative Energy Sources Like LPG, CNG, LNG, and EVs, Including The Recognition Of The Impact Of The Dangote Refinery In The Deregulation Process, Addressing The Challenge Of Insufficient Locally Sourced Feedstock For Domestic Refineries .