PETROAN SEEKS DIRECT SUPPLY DEAL WITH AZIKEL REFINERY

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has opened discussions with Azikel Refinery in Bayelsa State for a direct supply arrangement that would give its members access to locally refined petroleum products.

PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, led a delegation to the refinery in Yenagoa, where they met with Chairman of Azikel Refinery, Eruani Godbless, and members of the management team.

The discussions focused on the refinery’s development and operational plans, as well as opportunities for collaboration between the refinery and petroleum product retailers.

Under the proposed offtake arrangement, PETROAN members would purchase products from Azikel Refinery based on mutually agreed commercial, technical and operational terms.

Gillis-Harry said the association was interested in developing practical partnerships with indigenous refineries to improve product availability and strengthen domestic supply chains.

He said a dependable supply relationship would also help retailers plan their businesses more effectively.

Godbless welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of building strategic relationships with petroleum retailers as the refinery progresses with its operations.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions on the commercial and operational requirements of the proposed arrangement.

The engagement comes amid efforts to expand Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and increase the availability of locally refined petroleum products.

PETROAN said it would continue engaging indigenous refineries and other stakeholders across the downstream petroleum sector.