An energy expert, Dr Joseph Obele has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to restart the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries amid rising fuel prices.
Obele, a lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port Harcourt said bringing government-owned refineries back into production would increase fuel supply reduce dependence on imported products and help ease pressure in the downstream market.
He linked the price increases to higher global crude prices amid tensions involving the United States and Iran and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. He said petrol was selling for one thousand four hundred to one thousand five hundred naira per litre in some areas while diesel had risen above two thousand naira per litre.
According to him continued increases could push up the cost of transportation, food, healthcare and other essential services.
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Obele said the Port Harcourt Refinery in particular should become a demonstration of the government’s commitment to restoring critical energy infrastructure.
He however stressed that government refineries should operate alongside private refineries to strengthen energy security and encourage competition.
On the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland Obele urged the Federal Government to adopt a peaceful approach that gives host communities a meaningful role in the process.
He called for dialogue involving the government Rivers State authorities, traditional institutions, communities, regulators, operators and civil society groups.
Obele said any renewed exploration programme should include plans for environmental protection, remediation, community development, employment and sustainable benefits.
He described the resumption as an opportunity to build a relationship, between government, oil operators and Ogoni communities based on trust, accountability and environmental responsibility.
