PETROAN: Alternative Energy Can Help Curb Rising Petrol Prices

The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, has identified alternative energy sources, particularly gas and electricity, as a potential way to curb the rising price of petrol in Nigeria.

Gillis-Harry, who spoke on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, said greater adoption of alternative energy could create a more diversified energy mix and reduce the pressure on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices.

“In our opinion, what can stem the rising price of petrol is alternative energy. At least two have been identified so far: one is gas, the other is electric,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians are increasingly embracing alternative energy technologies, adding that their wider availability could slow the rate at which petrol prices increase.

“When that kind of energy mix is available, the price of PMS may not be rising at the speed at which it’s rising today,” he said.

Gillis-Harry also addressed concerns over alleged under-dispensing of petrol at filling stations, advising motorists to know the litreage of their vehicles and monitor the dispenser whenever they purchase fuel.

He urged motorists to cross-check the quantity displayed on the dispenser before and after fuelling and ensure that their vehicle’s fuel gauge is functioning properly.

“It’s important to know what the total litreage of your vehicle is. If your vehicle loads 100 litres, you should know that when your tank is empty, and you load 100 litres, it will get to the filling point,” he said.

He said PETROAN members had taken seriously concerns recently raised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the accuracy of fuel dispensing.

“We took what NMDPRA called our attention to yesterday seriously, and we already started working on that,” he said.

Gillis-Harry further assured motorists that PETROAN would continue to ensure that its members dispense the exact quantity of petrol paid for by customers.

“I can tell you that PETROAN members will at all times insist on making sure that they sell their products, one litre for one litre,” he said.

He added that PETROAN members have been directed to ensure that dispensing meters are properly calibrated and functional.