The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Calabar Unit, has identified lopsided distribution as the cause of the current scarcity of petroleum products in Cross River.
Mr Robert Obi, IPMAN Chairman, Calabar unit, stated this on Friday in Calabar at a meeting with the new South-South Regional Coordinator, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mrs Comfort Ajayi.
Obi stated that key government regulators in the industry had refused to play their correct roles in the face of the current scarcity.
”What we have seen is a conspiracy of silence. We expected more from NMDPRA to checkmate the issues of diversion and indiscriminate pricing.
”After lifting petrol from NNPCL, private deport operators make it difficult for independent marketers to access the products.
”The business environment is no longer conducive for us as independent markerters, we are witnessing unavailability of products,” he said.
The chairman urged NMDPRA and other regulatory agencies to ensure sincere and effective regulation of the sector for products to be available to the markerters.
He urged NNPCL not to give petroleum products to private tank farms when most of its own outlets did not have.
”Whenever products are brought into the region, some percentage should be allocated to the catchment areas of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States,” he said.
Obi expressed the readiness of IPMAN to work harmoniously with the new leadership of NMDPRA in the region.
”We are asking for more time to enable members of the association to renew their licenses,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman, UDDY King Petroleum, Chief Uduma Ezera, said that the scarcity of petroleum products in the state had become a huge concern to independent markerters.
”It is worrisome that after obtaining loans and paying in advance for petrol, we now have to wait endlessly for the products to be supplied.
”The regulatory authorities should live up to their expectations. Their attitude to work is subjecting the masses and the independent marketers to hardship,” he said.
In her response, Ajayi commended members of IPMAN for their conduct following the current petrol scarcity in Cross River.
She said that the authority was committed towards partnering IPMAN to address the causes of the petrol supply and pricing challenge in the state.
”As a body, NMDPRA is willing to collaborate with you and other stakeholders to address the gaps noticed in the supply chain of petroleum product in the state.
”This meeting is timely, we have used it to get farmiliarised, we have listened to your challenges, we shall seek lasting solutions to them.
”Concerted efforts will be made to ensure the availability of products to independent marketers in the state at the approved rates.
”We have directed depot owners to always display the prices of products in order to guarantee transparency in the system.
”You are at liberty to avail us with credible information concerning the activities of private depots to enable us to act swiftly,” she said.
Ajayi urged IPMAN members to always renew their operating licenses, stating that it was unprofessional and unethical to operate without approvals.
”It is not good that only about 15 per cent of your facilities are licensed, there is need for them to get licensed.
”Those operating with expired licenses should also endeavour to renew their licenses as soon as possible,” she said.