https://www.nairaland.com/7935924/refineries-not-created-reduce-fuel

The Blind Spot in Our Petrol Consumption: Why Nigeria Needs Accurate Data

The Oll and Gas industry in Nigeria is of a very complex dimension. After some painstaking study and research , I have been trying to understand and navigating the complexities of the Nigerian petroleum industry. Having witnessed countless developments and challenges unfold, one critical issue continues to impede our progress: the lack of accurate data on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) consumption.

Imagine driving a car with no fuel gauge. You wouldn't know how much fuel you have left, leading to uncertainty, anxiety, and the potential for sudden breakdowns. That's the precarious situation Nigeria faces in managing its petrol consumption. Without reliable data, we are essentially operating in the dark, making informed decisions and effective policy formulation virtually impossible.

The consequences of this data deficit are far-reaching. We struggle to accurately:

Forecast future demand:This leads to potential shortages or surpluses, impacting both consumers and businesses

Allocate resources efficiently:[/b]Fuel subsidies, infrastructure development, and refinery operations are all hampered by the lack of precise consumption figures.
[Image of a gas station


[b]Combat smuggling and illegal activities:
Accurate data can help identify discrepancies and pinpoint areas susceptible to abuse.

Plan for a sustainable future:Transitioning to cleaner energy sources requires a clear understanding of current petrol consumption patterns.

The absence of a reliable metering system is at the heart of this problem. While point-of-sale terminals have been introduced in some stations, they are not universally implemented and lack integration, leading to incomplete and unreliable data.

Solving this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Mandatory Installation of Metering Systems:[/b]The government must mandate the installation of accurate and standardized meters at all fuel stations nationwide. This data should be aggregated and centrally stored for transparency and accessibility.

2. [b]Enhanced Data Management:[/b]Robust data management systems are essential to ensure accurate recording, analysis, and dissemination of information. This requires collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and technology providers.

3. [b]Public-Private Partnerships:[/b]Public-private partnerships can leverage the expertise and resources of private entities to accelerate the implementation of metering systems and data management infrastructure.

4. [b]Regulatory Enforcement:Clear regulations and stringent enforcement measures are crucial to ensure compliance with installation and data reporting standards.

The road ahead may seem challenging, but the potential benefits of accurate PMS consumption data are undeniable. We can optimize resource allocation, combat illegal activities, plan for a sustainable future, and ultimately build a more robust and efficient petroleum sector. The time to act is now; let's shed light on our fuel consumption and steer Nigeria towards a brighter future.

Comrade Ibrahim Aliyu
Abuja
Comradeibrahimaliyu@gmail.com

Here are some oil countries that have applied accurate data collection and management systems and the benefits they are enjoying:

Norway: Norway has implemented a comprehensive system for collecting and analyzing data on oil and gas production, consumption, and exports. This data has helped the country to maximize its resource revenues, invest in its future, and maintain a stable economy.

United States:The United States has a well-developed system for collecting data on oil and gas production, consumption, and imports/exports. This data is used to inform policy decisions, track industry trends, and ensure the efficient operation of the energy sector.

Canada:Canada has a robust system for collecting data on oil and gas production, consumption, and exports. This data is used to inform policy decisions, track industry trends, and promote economic growth.

Brazil: Brazil has made significant strides in recent years in improving its data collection and management systems for the oil and gas sector. This has helped the country to attract investment, develop its infrastructure, and become a major player in the global energy market.

By implementing similar systems, Nigeria can reap the same benefits and ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.