As the fuel scarcity crisis continues to grip the nation, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council scheduled for Monday. This move comes as the scarcity persists despite recent efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to mitigate the situation.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, IPMAN’s National President, Hammed Fashola, highlighted the urgent need for the meeting in light of the ongoing fuel scarcity. He noted that despite the NNPC’s recent initiatives, such as opening reserves in depots nationwide, the scarcity remains a pressing concern.
Earlier in the week, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria confirmed the receipt of 300 million litres of fuel from eight vessels, which were subsequently distributed to members in Apapa and other parts of Lagos. Additionally, the South-West Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ayo Cardoso, reported significant offloading of petrol at various depots.
However, Fashola emphasized that Monday’s meeting aims to assess the effectiveness of these recent measures and to strategize further engagement with the NNPC. He stressed the importance of collaboration between oil marketers and the NNPC to address the scarcity comprehensively.
“We are meeting on Monday officially with other marketers. We are working closely with NNPC…to assess the present situations…and to know what to do again,” Fashola stated.
He also urged the public to refrain from panic buying, emphasizing the importance of purchasing only what is needed to alleviate long queues at fuel stations.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) convened a meeting on Saturday with independent marketers to explore solutions to the fuel scarcity. Dr. Billy Gilly-Harry, speaking on behalf of PETROAN, highlighted the need to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution of petroleum products across the country.
“The solution (to the fuel scarcity) is in the corner,” Gilly-Harry expressed optimistically, underscoring the collaborative efforts between NNPC and independent marketers to address the crisis effectively.
As stakeholders continue to grapple with the fuel scarcity challenge, concerted efforts are underway to provide relief and normalize the situation nationwide.
