Fuel Scarcity Looms As IPMAN Rejects NNPC Recertification

There are fears of an imminent scarcity of petroleum products in parts of Niger state, Minna in particular as the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Minna depot has rejected the newly introduced recertification fee as approved by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The NNPC recent introduction of 10 kobo per litre is generating doubts and suspicion to members of IPMAN, Minna depot who are now accusing the Corporation of ‘trying to increase fuel price through the back door’.

Chairman of IPMAN, Minna depot, Alhaji Adamu Ahmed Erena who raised the alarm in an interview told journalists that the new order is going to be virile because none of his members will pay the said money or that the NNPC should come up with a memo for a fuel price increase.

Adamu Erena shortly after meeting with the depot officials yesterday (Monday) further explained that no fewer than 39 trucks were today stranded at the Minna depot due to the new order believed to be part of revenue drive by the NNPC.

“I am doubtful if this new order will not be acceptable in all the depots across the country hence the resultant effect will be unexpected artificial fuel scarcity to be caused by the NNPC and not the independent marketers”, he pointed out.

Erena said, “I met with the depot Operations Supervisor, Mr. Timothy to certified their product referred them to the headquarters and insisted that he is implementing the directives from his boss from Abuja management office who is asking for N4, 000 per 40, 000 litres for the recertification fee”.

The IPMAN chairman further explained that their members bridged between, 30-40 trucks per day at the Minna depot which controls Niger and Kebbi states respectively that has estimated over 1, 000 strong members.

While calling out to other members from the North-West to follow suit by rejecting the new price, Erena insisted that without the lab test for recertification no taking of fuel yesterday in the depot as fuel scarcity looms in Minna.

The IPMAN depot chairman therefore called on the federal government and the NNPC to work harmoniously to find a lasting solution to internal problems facing it rather than haven divisions and disassociating selves when there is a problem calling for concerns.

SOURCE: independent.ng