The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed concerns over the widespread scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) affecting its members nationwide.
IPMAN, which has over 3,000 members and controls a significant number of Nigeria’s filling stations, accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of failing to supply adequate products.
According to IPMAN Chairman, Ore Depot, Shina Amoo, NNPCL has not provided sufficient supplies for the past three years, leading to a dire situation.
“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 said on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
NNPCL stated that it is working to address fuel supply challenges, but Amoo highlighted the bureaucratic delays faced by IPMAN members, saying, “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.”
Amoo expressed frustration over the current distribution pattern, accusing NNPCL of sidelining IPMAN in favor of other groups. “NNPCL abandoned the distribution pattern and stopped being sincere.
They no longer supply IPMAN but prefer to supply others. The volume they provide is insufficient for our needs,” Amoo stated.
He also addressed the impact of fuel subsidy removal, arguing that corruption in the downstream sector is responsible for skyrocketing prices, and believes eliminating corruption would lead to a significant drop in product prices.
