Fuel Shortage Woes: IPMAN Voices Struggles Amid National Crisis

Fuel Shortage Woes: IPMAN Voices Struggles Amid National Crisis

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed deep concern over the current petrol shortage affecting the nation. Ukadike Chinedu, IPMAN’s Publicity Secretary, highlighted that private marketers, much like ordinary citizens, are grappling with the severe impact of this scarcity.

In a recent interview with Arise TV, Chinedu criticized the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for failing to utilize the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, despite their improved conditions. He stressed that without these refineries operational, the persistent fuel shortages cannot be resolved.

Chinedu called on President Bola Tinubu to act on the advice given by IPMAN’s president, Abubakar Maigandi. Maigandi had suggested that the President should declare a state of emergency for the refineries and give their management 30 days to ensure production resumes. According to Chinedu, the refineries need to operate at full capacity to alleviate the ongoing scarcity.

Chinedu noted, “There has been a lot of work done on these refineries, making them almost brand-new. However, despite improvements and the supply of 1 million barrels of crude oil to the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, production has yet to start.”

He pointed out that the lack of petrol supply is causing substantial financial strain on marketers, with some having to spend up to ₦50 million to acquire fuel. “We are investing heavily in filling stations, but without products to sell, we’re facing significant losses. Our core business is to provide fuel, but now we struggle to even pay salaries due to the exorbitant costs,” Chinedu lamented.

Chinedu urged the President to take decisive action to address the delays and ensure that the refineries begin production promptly to mitigate the widespread suffering caused by the fuel shortage.