The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has unveiled draft regulations aimed at curbing anti-competitive practices in the petroleum sector, including fuel price-fixing and artificial scarcity.
The proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations, 2026 would outlaw collusive agreements among petroleum companies, covering pump price coordination, bid rigging, market allocation, exclusive supply deals, and the exchange of sensitive commercial information.
The move follows recent allegations by independent marketers that major fuel importers were coordinating pump prices above those of the Dangote Refinery.
In a public notice signed by Chief Executive Rabiu A. Umar, the Authority invited stakeholders to submit comments within 21 days, in line with Section 216(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
A consultation forum is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja.
A review of the draft shows sweeping prohibitions:Price-fixing banning coordinated pump prices, ex-depot prices, margins, discounts, and freight charges.
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