Abstract This study examines the relationship between market competition and operational efficiency in Nigeria’s deregulated petroleum downstream sector. Drawing on the Structure–Conduct–Performance (SCP) paradigm and the theory of contestable markets, the study conceptualizes market competition as the principal structural driver of efficiency outcomes in a liberalized downstream environment. Operational efficiency is measured through two key dimensions: product availability and cost efficiency. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 279 managers, marketers, distributors, depot operators, and regulatory officials in Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Product–Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings reveal strong and statistically significant positive relationships between market competition and product availability (r = 0.695, p < 0.05) as well as between market competition and cost efficiency (r = 0.712, p < 0.05). The results indicate that increased competitive dynamics in the deregulated downstream sector enhance supply reliability and promote cost minimization practices among operators. The study concludes that market competition is a critical determinant of operational efficiency in Nigeria’s petroleum downstream industry and recommends sustained competitive reforms supported by transparent regulatory frameworks to consolidate efficiency gains.
Bazia et al. (Tue,) studied this question.