TRIBUNE
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has clarified that it has not ceased the importation of petroleum products into the country and would continue to import if necessary.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye explained that the company’s focus is on sourcing refined products locally but emphasized that importation remains an option when required.
Soneye addressed recent remarks made by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference, stating that Kyari’s comments had been misunderstood.
“The GCEO’s statement, ‘Today, NNPCL does not import any product; we are only taking from domestic refineries,’ should not be construed to mean that NNPCL will no longer import fuel. While we prioritize sourcing products from domestic refineries, this depends on economic viability,” Soneye said.
He further explained, “If local supply is cost-effective, it will be preferred. However, the same principle applies to other marketers, who will also evaluate costs before deciding whether to buy locally or import.”
Soneye reaffirmed that economic considerations would guide NNPCL’s decisions on whether to source refined petroleum from local refineries or import. He clarified that Kyari’s statement was not a declaration of the end of fuel importation.
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