The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on the Federal Government to allocate 30 per cent of its discounted petrol supply to the association to ensure wider distribution across the country.
PETROAN said the move would help reduce transportation costs, ease the rising cost of living and support economic activities in rural and urban communities.
The association made the appeal while welcoming the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount programme announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
According to PETROAN, cheaper petrol for public transport operators could lead to lower fares and reduce the cost of transporting food, agricultural produce and other essential goods.
The association noted that its retail outlets operate in several communities, including remote areas where Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) stations are unavailable.
PETROAN National President, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, said the policy could benefit commuters, farmers, traders and businesses by reducing transportation and logistics expenses.
He, however, urged the government to ensure transparent implementation, with clear guidelines on the discount per litre, eligible beneficiaries and monitoring arrangements.
Gillis-Harry said the programme’s success should be measured by its actual impact on transport fares, food prices and household spending, rather than the volume of petrol sold at discounted rates.
PETROAN also expressed readiness to support the government’s compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative by using its nationwide retail network to expand access to cleaner alternative fuel.
The association called on relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure the programme delivers meaningful economic relief to Nigerians.
