Executive Vice President of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited (Downstream), Adedapo Segun, has stated that the current pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol, does not accurately reflect prevailing market conditions.
Segun made this known during a guest appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday.
According to him, only a perfectly competitive market can ensure stable fuel prices and supply in Nigeria.
“The pump price today is not market reflective. NNPCL is the sole importer of PMS in the country, which is abnormal. We should be moving towards a situation where the free market determines prices,” he said.
He explained that the NNPCL’s role as the sole importer of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) was not a deliberate choice by the company but a response to market conditions.
“Let me put it in the proper context. NNPCL is not a regulator. We didn’t choose to be the sole importer. We don’t determine who plays in the market. We stepped in when others reduced their participation. It’s not about wanting to be monopolists,” Segun stated.
He further opined that achieving a stable fuel supply and price would require ideal market conditions, including a more liquid foreign exchange market.
“Market conditions need to be perfect, and there must be FX liquidity,” he added, suggesting that broader economic reforms may be necessary to address the fuel pricing issue.
He noted that NNPCL has been working closely with private refineries, such as Dangote, to ensure a steady supply of crude oil for refining.
“We have supplied about 30 million barrels to Dangote so far: 6.3 million this month, and we will supply 11.3 million in October.”
