Fuel Scarcity Will Soon Be Over, says IPMAN

Mr Ukadike Chinedu, the Publicity Secretary, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), says that the scarcity of fuel being presently experienced will soon be over.

Chinedu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the shifting of the supply chain was the cause of the scarcity in the country, adding that in a few weeks, the product would be available.

“The supply chain is dependent on the importation of petroleum products but now the Federal Government has decided that they will not import but patronise Dangote and advised marketers to buy from him.

“So now, Dangote is reliably supplying the products and other products of crude oil,” he said.

Chinedu said that other reasons for the scarcity include documentation and logistics problems, among others in the interchange.

He said that Dangote had supplied 300 trucks and subsequently had been giving NNPCL the product.

Chinedu said that the use of vessels to supply in the coastal area would avert heavy usage of trucks on the roads.

“This will reduce road accidents, vehicles travelling long distances would be reduced, and it would help reduce prices.

“So we are trying to conclude the arrangement of sending through vessels to coastal areas to be able to decongest the road usage by trucks.

“All these things cause a little drift in the supply chain, in a little time, all these things will be fixed,” he said.

Chinedu said that the NNPCL had resumed supply, and major marketers were buying, adding that the independent marketers were trying to conclude their arrangement with Dangote so they could start buying.

He said that It was important for Dangote to sell to independent marketers to reduce the issue of middlemen in terms of the distribution chain.

Chinedu said that IPMAN would no longer be relying on other competitors for its products.

Also, he said that IPMAN had unveiled their website Ipman.ng.com.

Chinedu said that the website would enable marketers to pay through the portal and get their petroleum products, which would help to organise IPMAN to be in the front burner in the tax distribution team.

Also, he said that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had promised to pay marketers N10 billion as part of the outstanding claims with the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF).

Chinedu said that marketers were hopeful that soon the money would get to various marketers.

“We have confidence in the authority of NMDPRA and also agreed and promised to give IPMAN bulk purchase agreement with Dangote.”

He said that once discussions had been concluded, the product would be available across the country.