The Arewa Oil and Gas Marketers Association of Nigeria (AROGMA) has dismissed the recent claims by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that the association has no powers over petroleum products pricing in the country.

Reacting to the claim, AROGMA President, Bashir Danmalam, recalled that the association was actively involved in the legislative process that produced the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

In a statement, Danmalam emphasised that though AROGMA has statutory powers and oversight functions under the PIA, Section 164 of the Act outlines such an oversight role in petroleum pricing, insisting that it must be exercised responsibly and transparently in the interest of Nigerians.

According to him, pricing remains a critical issue to both marketers and consumers; therefore, the regulator must acknowledge its responsibilities rather than deflect them.

Consequently, Danmalam warned that failure to address pricing concerns could deepen economic hardship and fuel public distrust in the petroleum sector.