Yemisi Izuora
The Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western zone has urged the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and NNPC to to apply serious sanctions on private depots selling petrol above ex-depot price of N 133.28k.
Alhaji Debo Ahmed, the western zone chairman of IPMAN made the appeal in an interactive session with the media in Lagos.
Ahmed said that the shutdown of private depots selling petrol above government approved price became necessary against the back drop of the association’s threat to withdraw its services across Lagos State and parts of Ogun State as from December 11.
He alleged that most private depots owned by Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) in Apapa were selling petrol between N141 to N143 per litter as against Ex-depot price N 133.28k
He therefore urged DPR, NNPC and all other regulatory agencies saddled with monitoring of depot petroleum pricing to live to its responsibility by shutting down any private depot selling products above government approved prices.
“ The increase in price of petrol by depots affecting our members business because most marketers will be forced to shut down their stations if the situation continues.
“The DPR and NNPC seems to be helpless in this situation where the private depots sell petrol above approved pump price.
“Many of IPMAN members cannot buy the petrol from NNPC depots because the product was not sufficient and not all NNPC depots that are working. Ore, Ilorin are not working, while Lagos and Ibadan are doing partial loading,’’ he said.
Debo said that due to insufficient petrol at NNPC depots, most marketers are forced to buy product from private depot.
He alleged that the private deports are not invoicing marketers directly, adding that they give way bill which the prices are not indicated, to cover up there atrocity.
The IPMAN boss, however urged concerned authorities to urgently look into the issues to avert its members close down their over 1,200 filling stations, which might lead to fuel crisis during the yuletide festivities.
However, the Executive Secretary of DAPPMA, Mr Olufemi Adewole denied the allegation of selling petrol above Ex-depot price by its members.
According to Adewole, Our members are selling petrol at government approved price, but we should also note that not all depot owners that are DAPPMA’s member. If other non-DAPPMA members sell above ex-depot price, we don’t have right over them.
“ IPNAN cannot just make blanket accusation of DAPPMA selling above ex-depot price. There is no truth in what they are saying to the best of my knowledge; we are selling at government approved price, even though we are losing money.
“The challenge we are facing now is that banks are not giving us money to buy product because government is owing us and they are yet to pay. But few of our members are bringing in product and buying from NNPC because they are the sole importer,’’ he said.