The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing shortage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which has severely impacted its members across the country amid widespread fuel scarcity.
Representing over 3,000 members and controlling a significant portion of Nigeria’s filling stations, IPMAN has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of failing to supply adequate fuel to its members. According to Shina Amoo, the Chairman of IPMAN’s Ore Depot, the NNPCL, as the nation’s sole importer of petroleum products, has not provided sufficient supplies for the past three years, creating a dire situation for independent marketers.
“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 stated during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday.
The NNPCL, through its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, had assured the public that the company was working diligently to resolve fuel supply challenges, with expectations that the queues would clear by mid-week.
However, Amoo pointed to bureaucratic delays that have plagued IPMAN members in dealing with NNPCL, stating, “Previously, after payment, it took a week to load products. Now, the process drags on for three to five months. This has forced many of us to turn to private depots, even though they charge premium prices.”
Amoo also criticized the current distribution patterns, accusing the NNPCL of sidelining IPMAN in favor of other groups such as the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN).
“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,” he lamented.
Addressing the broader impact of fuel subsidy removal, Amoo argued that corruption within the downstream sector is a key factor driving the escalating prices of petrol. He asserted that eliminating corruption would significantly reduce product prices, providing much-needed relief to consumers and marketers alike.
