Yemisi Izuora
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has offered reason why petrol still sell above the new pump price.
Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo national president of the association said his members still have old stock and would need little more time to exhaust the stock.
His reaction was coming on the heel of stern warning by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) against flaunting of the new pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol by oil marketers.
It a recent statement, the petroleum industry regulator warned marketers of the dire consequences of selling above the new price.
For avoidance of doubt the DPR said, “following the pronouncement of the new approved pump price of premium motor spirit ( otherwise known as petrol) by the federal government the Department of Petroleum Resources wishes to inform all marketers and the general public that it has commenced the enforcement of the price regime in line with its mandate”.
The statement also said that “Consequently, marketers are advised to comply with the new pump prices as enunciated in PPPRA pricing template”.
It reminded the marketers that official pump price and ex-depot price of PMS for oil marketing companies shall be N86.50/liter and N77.00/liter respectively.
Also, official price and ex-depot price of PMS for NNPC shall ne N86.00/liter and N76.50/liter respectively, the regulator said.
It therefore warned that depot owners and retailers must ensure strict compliance as appropriate sanctions shall be applied to price manipulators.
Oriental News Nigeria checks reveal that many marketers especially outside Lagos sell between N120-N130 per litre.
Spokesman of NIPCO Biodun Lawal in his reaction expressed surprise at such practice.
Lawal said, “on saturday we issued a statement to all our outlets instructing them to sell at new pump price. Infact I will take up this report officially”.
However, Okoronkwo called on DPR to be patient with marketers adding that they are will to comply with the new price regime.