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COMAC moves to bring Star Oil back into its fold after suspension

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The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) says it is taking steps to bring Star Oil back into the Association following the company’s decision to suspend its membership.

A source within the Chamber told JoyBusiness that informal engagements have already begun and could help address Star Oil's concerns.

The source said there is optimism that, following these engagements, the market leader may reconsider its decision in the coming days.

Today’s Board Meeting

COMAC is set to hold an emergency board meeting today, Thursday, January 22, 2026, to adopt a common position on the Petroleum Price Floor Programme.

The meeting has become necessary amid divisions within the Chamber, with some members supporting the policy and others opposing it.

Star Oil’s decision to suspend its membership is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The company cited concerns over how the Association has handled the ongoing debate on the fuel price floor.

Chairman of COMAC, Gabriel Kumi, told JoyBusiness that the Association remains hopeful of reaching a resolution acceptable to all members.

He said the Chamber would emerge united from the discussions.

“Definitely the Chamber will come out on a united front on this matter, and this issue will not divide us. We will come out stronger,” he said.

He added that the Association has previously dealt with even more difficult challenges and remained cohesive.

“We have dealt with more serious issues in the past, but we came out more united on those issues and others,” the Chairman stated.

Background

Star Oil, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, announced its immediate suspension from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies in a letter to the Association.

The oil marketing firm described the decision as an indefinite suspension, saying it was taken after careful consideration.

Star Oil noted that it has been a long-standing and active member of COMAC and remains the Chamber’s largest financial contributor, having consistently supported its operations and advocacy work.

The company explained that its membership was based on the expectation of fair representation of members’ interests and the accommodation of differing but constructive views on policy and regulatory issues.

However, Star Oil said recent developments had undermined this principle, prompting it to reassess its continued association with the Chamber.

At the centre of the disagreement is COMAC’s public stance on the petroleum price floor, a regulatory issue that has generated significant debate within the downstream petroleum sector.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.