The National President of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA, Bennet Korie, has expressed hope that Nigerians will heave a sign of relief and achieve complete petroleum availability by September when the Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries begin operations.

Korie disclosed this as he addressed vital challenges affecting the oil and gas industry at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

Marketers ask for inclusion in the value chain

He disclosed that the Dangote Refinery will boost the petrol supply and spur competition. He called for the inclusion of various stakeholders, including NNPCL Trading and Retail, Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN, and NOGSA, in the distribution process to boost availability.

The NOGASA boss expressed confidence that the Dangote Refinery and the shift to naira transactions could reduce diesel prices and lower transportation costs and market prices.

Korie asks FG to expedite action on refineries

Korie also asked the Nigerian government to speed up the Port Hart Court refinery opening in September to ease the current shortages and improve distribution channels.

He expressed support for the country's economic stability. He endorsed President Tinubu’s directive to sell crude oil in naira, urging refineries to reciprocate by pricing petrol in the local currency.

The NOGASA chief called for redesigning the distribution channels and enhanced security measures at border points.

According to reports, Korie stressed the importance of prioritising agriculture to address inflation, increase agricultural budget allocations, and subsidise inputs.