By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised an alarm of an alleged selective supply of premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol to private depots, making it impossible for the commodity to be sold at the government upper price band.
Unlike government registered depot operators whose interests are being protected by IPMAN, private depots operate autonomously in the country.
The association, in a statement by its president, Mr Debo Ahmed, urged the government to make sure the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited always have enough petrol stock to serve the country.
In the statement, the body commended the federal government for the suspension of the planned removal of the subsidy on petrol.
Mr Ahmed then reminded the government to first repair the nation’s four moribund refineries so that they can function optimally before the removal of fuel subsidy.
He said, “The leadership of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) commends the Federal Government for the suspension of the removal of fuel subsidy. We reiterate our position that the four nations’ refineries be repaired and allowed to function optimally before the removal of fuel subsidy.
“We also use this opportunity to call on the federal government to resume the supply of petroleum products to NNPC depots nationwide as against the selective supply to private depots making it impossible for the product to be sold at the government upper price band.”
He further pleaded with the government for the settlement of marketers’ outstanding transportation claims.
“Our huge funds are tied up with PPMC Ltd, a subsidiary of NNPC, where members pay for NNPC products supplied to their depots.
“We are equally pleading that marketers transportation claims be paid to allow members remain afloat in business,” he stated.
