IPMAN and PETROAN Seek Solutions Amid Persistent Fuel Shortages
As Nigeria grapples with ongoing fuel scarcity, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) are stepping up efforts to address the situation. IPMAN has announced an emergency National Executive Council meeting scheduled for Monday to devise a comprehensive strategy to combat the fuel shortages that have plagued the nation.
The meeting was called in response to persistent fuel scarcity despite recent measures taken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), including the release of reserves across various depots in an attempt to alleviate long queues at fuel stations. According to Hammed Fashola, the National President of IPMAN, Monday's meeting will evaluate these efforts and determine further actions in collaboration with NNPC.
Fashola emphasized the importance of this meeting, stating, "We are meeting on Monday officially with other marketers. We are working closely with NNPC. The Monday meeting is for our National Executive Council. After the meeting, we will reach out to NNPC. We talk with them every day."
In addition to IPMAN's initiatives, PETROAN also held a meeting on Saturday with independent marketers to discuss strategies to ensure that petroleum products reach all consumers, including those in rural areas, at official rates. Dr. Billy Gilly-Harry, a spokesperson for PETROAN, highlighted their commitment to curbing hoarding practices and ensuring fair distribution.
Gilly-Harry noted the positive outcomes of these collaborative efforts, stating, "The good news is that this is a new reality. And it is going to bring better solutions because when you have NNPCL doing what they have to do, and we also doing what we have to do, the result will be fantastic. If you go to Abuja today, you will see that the queues have eased off. In the South-South and South-East, those who have been selling products as high as N670, we are bringing them to book."
The oil marketers' meetings are a crucial part of a broader strategy to solve the fuel scarcity issue that has led to increased prices and significant inconvenience for Nigerian citizens. Both IPMAN and PETROAN are urging the public to avoid panic buying and hoarding, which exacerbate the problem. With these concerted efforts, there is hope that the fuel crisis in Nigeria may soon see a significant improvement.
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