The Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced that the availability and affordability of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, is expected to improve soon. Mike Osatuyi, the National Operations Controller of IPMAN, stated that marketers are implementing measures to address the ongoing fuel scarcity that has plagued the country. During an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Osatuyi assured viewers that fuel would be accessible within two weeks.
He emphasized that all stakeholders have reached an agreement to sell fuel at affordable prices in order to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians. Osatuyi revealed that a meeting took place on Tuesday involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other key players in the downstream petroleum value chain, aimed at resolving the crisis. “Yesterday, there was a meeting in Abuja, and the president of IPMAN provided feedback on the discussions. I can confidently say that the NNPC is committed to finding a solution to the crisis. They have agreed to open more depots for IPMAN to load products at official prices, which is something we have been advocating for years,” he explained.
According to Osatuyi, stakeholders have been given a 14-day timeframe to rectify the situation. He expressed optimism that within the next two weeks, consumers would be able to purchase fuel at reasonable prices. “We must all work in the interest of Nigerians and ensure that they benefit from this subsidy,” he added.
Addressing the issue of fuel smuggling, which the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has identified as a significant factor contributing to the fuel crisis, Osatuyi stressed the need for collective action to combat this problem. He urged the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers to instruct its members to refrain from transporting fuel trucks to neighboring countries. “When it comes to the challenges causing the fuel crisis, we cannot overlook the presence of bad actors within the system. However, it requires a collective commitment to change our ways and work towards a better future,” Osatuyi concluded.
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