Downstream Oil Companies in Nigeria See 34% Surge in Prepaid Expenses
The landscape of Nigeria’s oil industry reflects significant financial maneuvering, as recent data indicates that four distinguished downstream oil firms have experienced a considerable increase in their prepaid expenses. These firms, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, collectively saw their prepayments ascend by 34 percent in the past year, culminating in a cumulative total of N3.85 billion, up from N2.87 billion in the previous year.
This fiscal adjustment spread unevenly among the entities involved. TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc and MRS Oil Plc displayed substantial increments in their prepayment figures, with hikes of 86 percent and 26.5 percent, respectively. In contrast, Eterna Plc encountered a decline of 33.6 percent, while Conoil Plc’s prepayments dropped by 22 percent.
The discrepancy in prepayment adjustments among these firms signals varying operational climates and financial strategies, underscored by the broader economics impacting the oil and gas sector. According to Jide Pratt, a chief operating officer, reduced sales volumes have strained cash flows within the industry, with the augmented cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purchase and diminished consumer purchasing power further complicating firms’ financial health.
Prepayments are pivotal for oil and gas establishments, serving as a strategic tool to assure supply chain stability amidst market volatility and geopolitical uncertainties. This financial mechanism enables firms to secure future deliveries through upfront payments to suppliers, a practice gaining prevalence amid fluctuating commodity markets and the phased transition towards market-driven petrol pricing in Nigeria.
With Africa’s largest economy venturing into deregulated petrol pricing under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, petrol prices have witnessed steady increments. Factors contributing to this rise include the weakening of the Nigerian Naira and surging international oil prices. Additionally, the Nigerian oil sector’s reliance on the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for petrol supply has intensified, despite deregulation efforts aimed at diversifying supply sources.
Each of the four oil firms delineates a unique trajectory in managing prepaid expenses amidst these challenges:
- TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc: Witnessed its prepayment soar to N2.72 billion in 2023, up from N1.46 billion the previous year. This increment predominantly constituted employee prepayments, despite a decrease in prepaid rent. The firm grapples with balancing increased trade receivables against higher trade and other payables, reflecting a downturn in after-tax profit.
- MRS Oil Plc: Reported a prepayment rise to N188.67 million in 2023. Alongside increased borrowings and interest expenses, the company saw a boost in its after-tax profit, underscoring its operational resilience in marketing and distributing refined petroleum products and lubricants across Nigeria.
- Eterna Plc: Encountered a decrease in prepayment to N204 billion in 2023. Highlighting challenges with increased borrowings and fluctuating trade receivables, the company registered an after-tax loss, marking a significant financial pivot from the previous year’s profit.
- Conoil Plc: Perceived a downturn in its prepayment to N74.83 million in 2023. Despite increased borrowings, the firm elevated both its trade receivables and payables, culminating in a notable rise in its after-tax profit.
The divergent financial performances and strategies of these oil marketing entities underscore the nuanced and complex nature of navigating Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. Amidst the backdrop of economic, regulatory, and geopolitical influences, these firms continue to adjust their financial approaches to sustain operations and secure their positions within the challenging environment of the Nigerian oil industry.
