The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has placed blame on the Nigerian Midstream and Upstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for the sale of substandard petrol at filling stations throughout Nigeria.
John Okwocha, the National Vice President of IPMAN, made this assertion during his address at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) in Abuja. He also acknowledged that the lack of local refining capacity contributes to this situation.
According to Okwocha, some of the products currently available evaporate easily, unlike the product that the country used to refine. He urged the federal government to ensure that the promise of refinery operation starting in December is fulfilled. He emphasized that only local refining can eliminate the importation of low-quality fuel.
“The prayer of this assembly is that the government must look inward to ensure our refineries are operational, thereby creating the opportunity to reduce the high importation of petroleum products, as we are witnessing today,” Okwocha stated.
He also pointed out the challenges faced by consumers who find that their fuel seems to vanish rapidly, leaving them puzzled. Okwocha emphasized the need to investigate whether the type of product currently available differs from the original product that consumers were accustomed to.
Okwocha explained, “This is because competition has made it convenient for importers to bring in very light and various types of products into the country, and we accept them due to a lack of alternatives.”
However, he highlighted the potential benefits of local production, stating, “But if we produce it in this country, we will have a choice. If we produce it in this country, we will select. If we produce it in this country, it will make it even more competitive and cheaper.”
In conclusion, Okwocha urged the government to take action by ensuring the proper functioning of refineries, which would ultimately make life easier for the people by providing access to high-quality fuel.
