The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed frustration over the insufficient supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), noting this as a key factor in the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country.
IPMAN, which boasts over 3,000 members and controls the largest share of filling stations nationwide, has accused NNPCL, the sole importer of petroleum products, of failing to provide adequate fuel supplies to its members for the past three years. Engr. Shina Amoo, Chairman of IPMAN’s Ore Depot, highlighted these concerns during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday.
Amoo revealed that the current distribution of fuel is heavily twisted , leaving many IPMAN members without the necessary products to operate effectively. “There is no supply anywhere,” Amoo stated, adding that when products are available, they are not distributed equitably, making it difficult for independent marketers, especially in rural and urban areas, to sustain their operations.
He further explained that while IPMAN members used to receive a 70/30 supply ratio in their favour, this is no longer the case. He noted that out of 50 petrol stations, only a small fraction—typically between three to eight—are currently selling products, and often at inflated prices ranging from ₦750 to ₦850 per litre.
Amoo criticized the bureaucracy involved in acquiring products from NNPCL, describing a process where payments made today could result in product delivery months later, by which time profits would have been eroded. As a result, many independent marketers are forced to rely on private depots, where they face higher costs. For example, after paying ₦750 to ₦800 per litre at a depot, marketers must also cover transportation costs, further driving up prices.
He also pointed out that NNPCL has shifted its focus away from supplying IPMAN, favouring other groups such as DAPPMAN and MEMAN, despite the significant role that independent marketers play in ensuring fuel availability across the country.
Amoo identified the core problem as the fuel subsidy system and NNPCL’s role as the sole importer.
He, however, suggested that if corruption was removed from the downstream system, prices of products would be forced to drop.
