GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

                                                                                     ABSTRACT

This study examined the impact of downstream deregulation policy on availability of petroleum products in Nigeria vis-à-vis Akwa Ibom State. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine downstream deregulation policy and availability of petroleum products in Nigeria: A study of Akwa Ibom State, 2015 – 2022. Survey design was used in the methodology of the study. Primary and secondary sources of data collection was used in this study. The hypotheses formulated were tested using ordinary least squares linear regression technique. The study revealed that the downstream deregulation policy promotes the availability of petroleum products in the economy. The study also revealed that modular refining of petroleum products positively impacts on deregulation of the downstream policy in the country. It was further revealed from the findings that tips in the allocation of petroleum product is a major cause of non-availability of petroleum products in Nigeria as well as Akwa Ibom State. Therefore, this study recommends that modular refining of petroleum products is a pathway for availability of petroleum products; also, government should monitor the lifting of petroleum products from refining to outlay stations.

KEYWORD: Downstream, Deregulation, Policy, Availability and Petroleum products.