Date: 2017-12-11

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Kwara State Chapter have reversed decision on shutting down their filling stations today (Monday).

The association had last week stated its resolve to close down fuel stations belonging to independent marketers in the state, which was reported by this medium.

The association had demanded increase in loading volume and gave three conditions for revised of decision which are that the Federal Government should increase loading volume of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Ilorin from Mosimi PPMC Depot, special loading arms to Ilorin marketers at Ibadan PPMC depot, and immediate pumping of petroleum products to Ilorin NNPC depot.

However, the state Chairman of IPMAN, Alhaji Olanrewaju Okanlawon, yesterday hinged the lastest development on intervention by highly placed members of the association and consideration for the masses.

The chairman who spoke through the General Secretary of the association, Mr. Olupelu Testing on telephone chat with Pilot Business, yesterday said they are staying action for now.

He explained that they have been urged to exercise restrain and monitor the situation before they shut down filling stations.

He explained further that members are presently buying PMS from private depot in Lagos at N143 instead of the N133.28k, which is the Federal Government approved Ex depot price.

The association boss disclosed that there would be a meeting today (Monday) to review the situation and come up with a decision.

He said, "We are suppose to sell between N143 to N145 per litre, but we are now buying the products in Lagos at N142 per litre in addition is the haulage cost and other overhead expenses, it is not possible to sell at N145 per litre."

"if we can't get what we sell within government regulated price then we won't have any other choice than closing down shop. But the effect on the people is what we are considering now because scarcity will resume in the state.

"We, the filling station owners will also suffer because nobody is paying us salary and the banks we are collecting loans from don't care whether we are selling or not. Electricity bills and taxes are there to be settled," he added.

He lamented that the Federal Government has shunned loading of product from Ilorin depot for over three years, which he said caused hardship for marketers.