The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has assured of continued sale of Petroleum Products at government-approved prices, South-West zone of the Association has said.
A statement by the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the Association, Mr. Kimchi Apollo said the assurance was given when the body paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The statement noted that the visit was also to pledge the Association’s continuous support for the Federal Government by ensuring that Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) is available at the regulated price of N165 per litre at retail stations.
Zonal Chairman, IPMAN South-West, Alhaji Dele Tajudeen Lamidi, who led the delegation said the purpose of the visit also includes seeking collaboration and support of the Authority, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).
The Zonal Chairman also highlighted some of the problems his members are facing which include product sharing, rise in penalties, difficulty in getting tax clearance and high cost of doing business in the country, amongst others.
He pledged to the Authority and Nigerians that despite all the challenges the Association is facing, it has resolved not to embark on any industrial action as a conflict resolution technique.
“As far as we are concerned in the South-West, we have gone beyond strike. Strike is not the solution to any problem because if there is a strike, it affects the masses and our businesses,” he added.
In his response, the Authority Chief Executive (ACE), Engr. Farouk Ahmed welcomed the Association as critical stakeholders in the Energy sector and assured them of the Authority’s support in their business of distributing petroleum products to all nooks and crannies in the country.
He expressed concern over the rise in petroleum products theft and pipeline vandalism, especially line 2B which services Mosimi, Ibadan and Ilorin depots, leading to revenue losses for the government. He urged IPMAN to assist in check-mating the unscrupulous act as they have done in the past.
He also revealed that the Authority had received complaints of private petroleum depots selling PMS above the approved price, thereby disrupting the entire value chain, leading to higher pricing in some areas. He called on the Association to report any depot selling products to its members, above the approved ex-depot prices.
The Authority assured the Association of its commitment to ensuring products availability and sustainability of the industry.