Mr. Ukadike Chinedu, Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has stated that the current fuel scarcity will soon come to an end.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chinedu attributed the scarcity to disruptions in the supply chain, but he assured that fuel availability will improve in the coming weeks. He explained that the Federal Government has shifted its focus from importing fuel to sourcing it from Dangote, which is now reliably supplying the products.
Chinedu noted that logistical and documentation issues have also contributed to the scarcity, but mentioned that Dangote has already supplied 300 trucks of fuel to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
To further ease the situation, he highlighted plans to use vessels for coastal supplies, which would reduce road traffic and accidents, cut transportation costs, and streamline logistics.
Chinedu confirmed that NNPCL has resumed supply, with major marketers purchasing fuel, while independent marketers finalize their agreements with Dangote to eliminate reliance on middlemen.
Additionally, IPMAN has launched a new website, Ipman.ng.com, to facilitate online payments for petroleum products, enhancing operational efficiency within the organization.
He also mentioned that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is expected to disburse N10 billion in outstanding claims to marketers. Chinedu expressed optimism that this support would soon reach the marketers, enabling a more robust distribution network once agreements with Dangote are finalized.