The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has unveiled sweeping draft regulations that would prohibit petroleum companies from fixing fuel prices, restricting product supply, sharing markets or coordinating commercial decisions capable of distorting competition across Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum industry.
The proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations, 2026, seek to dismantle anti-competitive conduct ranging from pump price coordination and artificial scarcity to bid rigging, customer allocation, exclusive supply arrangements and the exchange of commercially sensitive information among competitors.
The move comes amid renewed concerns over pricing practices in the downstream petroleum sector following allegations by independent marketers in July that some major fuel importers were selling imported Premium Motor Spirit at coordinated prices significantly above those of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a public notice issued on Thursday and posted on its official X handle, the Authority invited licensees, permit holders and other stakeholders to submit comments on the proposed regulations within 21 days, in compliance with Section 216(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which requires stakeholder consultation before regulations are finalised.
