The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has blamed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the ongoing fuel scarcity in Nigeria. IPMAN, which represents over 3,000 members and controls a significant portion of the country’s filling stations, alleges that NNPCL has failed to supply adequate quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to its members.
Shina Amoo, Chairman of IPMAN’s Ore Depot, accused NNPCL of neglecting independent marketers, leading to a crisis that has persisted for three years. He stated that the available supply is poorly distributed and that IPMAN has been raising concerns about this for a long time.
Amoo criticized NNPCL for abandoning the 70/30 supply ratio and preferring to supply other groups, such as DAPPMAN and MOMAN, at the expense of IPMAN. He also highlighted the severe bureaucratic delays encountered by IPMAN members when dealing with NNPCL, which has led to many members turning to private depots that charge higher prices.
NNPCL has responded to the scarcity, assuring that the queues should clear by mid-week. However, Amoo pointed out that the removal of fuel subsidies has led to skyrocketing prices due to corruption within the downstream sector. He argued that eradicating corruption would result in a significant drop in fuel prices.
