The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Depot Chairmen Forum has vehemently denied any responsibility for the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country, placing the blame squarely on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). According to IPMAN, the scarcity is a direct consequence of the government's failure to settle outstanding bridging claims totaling N200 billion owed to its members since 2022.
Alhaji Yahaya Alhassan, Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, expressed deep concern over the situation during a press briefing held in Abuja. He clarified that while IPMAN members are eager to supply petroleum products to meet the nation's needs, their efforts are hampered by the inability to source fuel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) depot at reasonable prices. Instead, they are compelled to purchase fuel from private depots at exorbitant rates, making it economically unviable for them to maintain retail prices within affordable ranges.
Alhassan emphasized that IPMAN members are not hoarding fuel, as alleged by some quarters, but are instead victims of the government's failure to fulfill its financial obligations. He highlighted the dire consequences of the fuel scarcity, which has exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians across various sectors.
In response to IPMAN's claims, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, attributed the disruption in fuel distribution to logistical issues, which have since been resolved. Soneye assured the public that there is an adequate supply of petroleum products, exceeding 1.5 billion liters, to last for at least 30 days. However, he acknowledged the possibility of certain entities exploiting the situation for profit, urging vigilance to prevent such occurrences.
Regarding the unpaid bridging claims, Alhassan expressed disappointment with the NMDPRA's failure to adhere to directives from the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, to settle the debt within 40 days. Despite the passage of this deadline, only a fraction of the debt has been paid, exacerbating the financial strain on IPMAN members and jeopardizing their businesses.
IPMAN emphasized its readiness to take decisive action, including a complete shutdown of operations and suspension of fuel lifting activities, if its demands are not met promptly. The forum called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the pressing issues facing the petroleum industry, urging swift resolution to avert further disruptions and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
In response to IPMAN's ultimatum, the Acting Head of Corporate Communications at NMDPRA, Seiyefa Osanebi, assured that bridging claims payment is ongoing, indicating a commitment to resolving the matter.
As the nation grapples with the fuel scarcity crisis, all eyes are on the government and stakeholders to swiftly address the underlying issues and restore normalcy to the petroleum sector.
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