IPMAN wants DPR, NNPC to clamp down on private depot over hike in ex-depot price
The Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western zone has urged the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and NNPC to clamp down on private depots selling petrol above ex-depot price of N 133.28k.
Alhaji Debo Ahmed who stated this in Lagos 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 part 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
``The increase in the ex-depot price of petrol by depots is killing our members because most marketers will be forced to shut down their stations if the situation continues. DPR and NNPC seems to be helpless in this situation where the private depots sale petrol above. 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 of petrol at NNPC depots most marketers were forced to buy product from private depot.
He alleged that the private depots are not invoicing marketers directly, adding that they give way bill without the price indication, to cover up their atrocity.
The IPMAN boss, however urged all concern 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, members are selling petrol at government approved price, saying that not all depot owners are DAPPMA’s member.
``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 even facing now is that banks are not given us money to buy product because government 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.