The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Mosimi Depot in Ogun State, has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, to release petroleum products worth N75.142 billion, which their members paid for since June.
IPMAN attributed the ongoing fuel scarcity in the South West region to the NNPCL’s delay in supplying these products, despite the payments made three months ago. The association has called on the federal government and key industry stakeholders to intervene, urging the NNPCL to fulfill its obligations to alleviate the current fuel crisis affecting the populace.
Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, Otunba Femi Adelaja, Chairman of IPMAN Mosimi Depot, revealed that members had deposited a substantial N75.142 billion with the NNPCL for supplies through the Lagos Private Depot Owners. However, the corporation has yet to deliver the products.
Adelaja expressed frustration over the delay, accusing the NNPCL of using IPMAN’s funds to serve the interests of major marketers, leaving IPMAN members, many of whom rely on bank loans, in a precarious position.
He also alleged that the NNPCL is deliberately hoarding petroleum products and prioritizing supply to companies like Total, OANDO, and Ardova. These companies, he claimed, then resell to a limited number of customers, forcing them to charge higher prices to the public.
“As I speak with you, we are surprised to see that the NNPC would not give us any supply, rather, the corporation has been busy using our deposits to run business for their various Mega Stations. They have refused to acknowledge that our businesses have been surviving on bank loans, which would charge interest on whatever amount is released to each IPMAN member”.
IPMAN Mosinmi Depot, however, solicits the support of all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the management of the NNPCL before the corporation finally succeeds at chasing its members out of business.
(allnews.ng)
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