In a move to address the ongoing fuel scarcity and high prices in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to permit oil marketers to buy Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The resolution was passed during a plenary session on Thursday, following the adoption of an urgent motion sponsored by Oboku Oforji, a lawmaker from Bayelsa State.
Allowing independent and major marketers, alongside NNPC Limited (NNPCL), to purchase from the refinery would enhance competition, increase availability, and ultimately reduce petrol prices.
The House expressed concerns that the current exclusive arrangement for NNPC and major marketers is "tantamount to greed" and highlighted the national oil firm's historical mismanagement of crude resources and refineries.
The House warned that if independent marketers are not granted direct access to the refinery, some may be forced to resort to fuel imports to sustain their businesses, which could further exacerbate the fuel crisis.
The House also suggested that the Dangote Refinery should build, acquire, or partner to establish tank farms or depots across the geo-political zones of the country to ease access to petroleum products for the public.
Additionally, the House directed the government to mandate NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery to disclose the exact price at which NNPCL purchases PMS from the refinery and how much the refinery sells to NNPCL for transparency.