NMDPRA Proposes New Regulations to Combat Fuel Price Fixing

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) held a stakeholders' meeting on Monday at its headquarters in Abuja to address reactions to its proposed Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations 2026. The draft regulations aim to prohibit petroleum companies from coordinating fuel prices, restricting supply, or engaging in market-sharing arrangements that distort competition.

Rabiu Umar, the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, stated that the regulations are designed to prevent abuse of market power and ensure fair access to petroleum infrastructure. He encouraged stakeholders to submit more reviews and recommendations on the draft, which includes provisions to scrutinize tying and bundling arrangements.

The meeting follows recent allegations of coordinated fuel pricing in Nigeria's downstream market. Umar warned against potential jurisdictional conflicts between NMDPRA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) while emphasizing the importance of regulatory coordination in the sector.