Abubakar Garima, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) owes petroleum marketers close to N15 billion.
Garima made this statement during an interview on Channels TV’s *Sunrise Daily* on Thursday. He highlighted that since the NNPCL increased fuel prices, IPMAN members have been unable to load any trucks.
When asked about the exact amount owed by NNPCL, Garima responded, “The total is nearing N15 billion. We have already paid NNPCL for products, but they have not supplied them. Instead, they are asking us to pay the difference in price.”
He further explained that IPMAN’s funds had been with the NNPCL for almost three months. He demanded that either NNPCL provide the fuel at the same price they source it from Dangote Refinery or refund the money so IPMAN members can purchase directly from the refinery.
In related news, after a week of NNPCL starting to distribute Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, many filling stations across the country have yet to receive supplies.
Additionally, in its October 1, 2024, Independence Day message, IPMAN urged the Federal Government to allow its members to directly source petroleum products, to alleviate pressure within the sector.
