Abubakar Maigandi, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has attributed the recent fuel scarcity in parts of the country to logistical challenges caused by rainfall and poor road conditions.
Speaking on an Arise Television program, Maigandi clarified that the scarcity was not due to disputes but rather the difficulties tank drivers and depots faced due to adverse weather and infrastructure issues.
Maigandi highlighted that the flooding in Lagos the previous week disrupted tanker movements and depot operations. Consequently, tanker drivers were unable to load fuel at Lagos depots for distribution to Abuja and other regions.
“That is why there are no queues in Lagos; it’s only in Abuja. This is due to the logistical challenges in transporting fuel from Lagos to Abuja,” he explained.
He urged Nigerians to refrain from panic buying, assuring them that fuel supplies were adequate and would be distributed nationwide.
“Any disruption in the movement of fuel to Abuja or any part of Nigeria leads to scarcity due to the high consumption rates,” he noted.
“People start panicking with even a minor disruption. But there is sufficient fuel. The logistical problem arises because we transport the fuel by road from Lagos.”
Maigandi also addressed the recent price hikes at some filling stations operated by IPMAN members. He revealed that independent marketers are now purchasing fuel at a higher rate from depot owners, buying fuel at ₦715 per liter. He explained that marketers must add transportation costs and a profit margin before selling to consumers.
“If depot owners hike prices, we have no choice but to follow suit because we source nearly 70 percent of our fuel from them. We need to add a margin to ensure a small profit,” he said.
“Currently, private depot owners sell fuel at ₦715 per liter in Lagos. Marketers then add transportation costs and a small profit margin to this price.”
