x

Fuel Scarcity: IPMAN members block depots

Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria on Wednesday disrupted loading of petroleum products at private depots in Apapa as well as Ibadan, Ejigbo and Mosimi depots belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Our correspondent learnt that the marketers picketed the facilities to protest their inability to get products due to a new payment method introduced by the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the NNPC.

The Chairman, IPMAN, Ore Depot, Mr Shina Amoo, confirmed the development in an interview with our correspondent in Ibadan on Wednesday.

He said the members of the association blocked the depots with tankers to protest the new payment method.

Amoo said independent marketers were angry because the new payment method, called ‘PPMC Customer Express’, was foisted on them suddenly and the NNPC expected compliance immediately without considering the business interests of many members of the association.

He explained that with the new arrangement, major marketers and very few independent marketers with huge funds could pay for 200 trucks and load them while those who had paid for one or two trucks would be on queue for many months unattended to.

He said, “They must return to the old way of payment, which is also an online payment through Remita. IPMAN members held a meeting last night and decided to block loading depots in Ibadan, Ejigbo, Mosimi and private depots in Apapa.

“IPMAN members blocked the depots this morning with their trucks to protest the new payment method.”

According to Amoo, the picketing will continue until the PPMC reverts to the previous payment method.

He said, “The new payment requires various prerequisite documents like renewal of bulk purchase, renewal of licence and several other documents that are not readily available.

“Within few days of this new payment method, some northern big marketers have used the situation to shortchange independent marketers in the South-West. With this, fuel scarcity is imminent.

“PPMC Customer Express mode of payment was introduced without consideration for billions of naira worth of tickets which IPMAN members already tied down in NNPC system.”

Amoo said the new payment method was introduced by the PPMC on February 4, adding that since then, no independent marketer had been able to load.

The NNPC, which has been the sole importer of petrol into the country in recent years, is still being relied upon by marketers for the supply of the product despite the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector.

Private oil marketing companies have continued to lament that their inability to access foreign exchange at the official rates has hampered efforts to resume petrol importation.

Hot this week

CSOs Hail Court Order Stopping PENGASSAN’s Strike

…say parties must respect the rule of law A coalition...

NYSC Members in Delta Urged to Drive Sustainable Development, Innovative Solutions

By Anne Azuka Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has charged...

FG Cancels Independence Parade, Retains Other Anniversary Events

By Francis Wilfred ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has...

Benue Police Launch Statewide Operations to Tackle Criminals and Banditry

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi The Benue State Police Command has...

Bandits Kill Businessman in Kogi, Kidnap Bus Passengers in Yagba

Ny Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Suspected bandits have killed a prominent...

Security: Wike Lights Up Abuja Districts, Flags – Off integrated Solar Lighting Project

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on...

Gov Sule Flags Off Bursary Disbursement, Reiterates Commitment to Education

By Abel Leonard, Lafia Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State...

North-Central APC Forum Urges Tinubu, NASS to Reject Calls for State Police

By Israel Adamu, Jos The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

Africa’s infrastructure deficit takes spotlight at pre-G20 event

..Two-day side event in Johannesburg seeks to mobilize global...

Bandits Kill Businessman in Kogi, Kidnap Bus Passengers in Yagba

Ny Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Suspected bandits have killed a prominent...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img