The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN. Has raised concerns over the shortage of Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol. That is affecting its members across the country amidst widespread scarcity.
The umbrella body, which haa over 3,000 members, controls a significant share of Nigeria’s filling stations. Has also accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, of failing to supply adequate products to its members.
The Chairman of IPMAN, Ore Depot, Shina Amoo. Had claimed that the NNPCL, as the sole importer of petroleum products, has not provided sufficient supplies to IPMAN. This has been like that for the past three years, leading to a dire situation for its members.
“There is no supply anywhere. The available supply is poorly distributed. We have been raising concerns about this for a long time. We previously had an arrangement where we enjoyed a 70/30 supply ratio based on our capacity.”
“Independent marketers are spread across villages and urban areas. Yet we are not being considered in the supply chain.” Amoo lamented this during his appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, August 20.
The NNPCL had through its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said that, the oil firm was working hard to tackle the fuel supply challenges, further saying that the queues should clear by mid-week.
However, Amoo highlighted the delays the IPMAN members face. While dealing with the NNPCL. He said, “Previously, after payment, it took a week to load products. Now, the process drags on for three to five months. This has made many of us turn to private depots, even though they charge premium prices.”
He accused NNPCL of sidelining IPMAN in favour of other groups such as DAPPMAN and MEMAN.
