IPMAN threatens shutdown over N200bn bridging claims
Major marketers to flood market with 300m litres
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Depot Chairmen’s Forum, has threatened to shut down petrol lifting if the federal government fails to resolve their outstanding N200 billion bridging claims.
In a communique issued by the Chairman of the Depot Chairmen’s Forum, Yahaya Alhassan, yesterday in Abuja and read by the spokesman, Mazi Oliver Okolo, the forum expressed frustration with the laid back attitude of the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) towards the survival of its members’ businesses.
The chairman said: “At a stakeholders meeting held on the 20th of February, 2024, with Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil); and the NSA. Nuhu
Ribadu; Engr Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Authority of NMDPRA, was mandated by Mr Lokpobiri to clear the entire debt in 40 days.
“However, today, we have crossed the 40-day mark given to NMDPRA, and it is shameful to state that only the paltry sum of N13bn has been paid.
“We are poised to take far-reaching decisions that may cripple the supply and sales of petroleum products across Nigeria if our demands are not met within the shortest period of time.”
He said many of his members had gone bankrupt and become financially insolvent as a result of their inability to meet the financial obligations to their banks.
Speaking on the ongoing fuel scarcity, the forum said; “Our market has over 300 tickets waiting for over a period of 6 months now that have not been allocated by the NNPCL. We cannot lift these products because they are not available.”
Major marketers to flood market with 300m litres
Meanwhile, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has concluded plans to take delivery of eight vessels containing over 300m litres of fuel to address the current fuel shortage.
Chairman of MEMAN, Huub Stokman disclosed this during a virtual press conference to address the current fuel scarcity across the country.
Daily Trust reports that fuel queues have lingered since the beginning of the week as motorists spend hours at filling stations.
Stockman said the priority of the major marketers and other stakeholders in the supply chain is to restore stability and ensure fuel supply.
He said, “Our members are taking over 8 vessels this week with over 300m litres which is well above our normal level. Our depots will extend their loading times to ensure we load out as much as we can including tomorrow (Today).