The price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) surged to N2,500 per litre on Tuesday in Akwa Ibom, leaving consumers struggling to find fuel.
This steep rise follows panic sales by members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) amidst an ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Joint Task Force (JTF).
The standoff has exacerbated the state’s transportation woes, with fewer vehicles on the roads and transport fares skyrocketing by over 200%. The crisis stems from NUPENG’s directive to halt fuel tankers from entering Akwa Ibom over the last several days.
Many independent fuel stations across Uyo and its environs have closed, complying with IPMAN’s directive to withdraw services. This decision follows a “Notice of Withdrawal of Services Over Confiscation of PMS-Loaded Trucks by JTF Personnel” signed by IPMAN’s leadership, Chairman Francis Udoyen and Secretary Prince Ekom Idemudo. The association is protesting the seizure of PMS-loaded trucks by JTF operatives from some members four months ago.
IPMAN emphasized the need for solidarity with NUPENG, demanding the release of the impounded trucks, which were seized by the JTF’s Operation Delta Safe (ODS). “In accordance with our obligation to support our members, you are hereby directed to close your filling stations with immediate effect from Tuesday, September 24, 2024,” the directive read, warning of consequences for non-compliance.
Meanwhile, Sam Osung, the state chairman of the Natural Oil and Gas Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) and former aide to Governor Umo Eno, criticized the Akwa Ibom government for failing to intervene decisively in the matter. Osung accused both NUPENG and IPMAN of exceeding their authority, noting that if the marketers disagreed with the JTF’s actions, they should take legal action rather than disrupt the fuel supply chain.
“The ODS, under the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, impounded two PMS trucks and 44 drums of fuel from six filling stations in Mbo Local Government Area over four months ago, suspecting involvement in smuggling. Rather than go to court, IPMAN opted for protests and station closures,” Osung stated.
He added that the Army had suggested the marketers prove their innocence in court, instead of attempting to pressure the military into releasing the seized trucks. “The marketers are trying to strong-arm the Army while involving Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTDs) to halt fuel deliveries into Akwa Ibom,” Osung alleged.
He further lamented the government’s inaction, stressing that “the government should step up and address this crisis.” Osung also shared his personal experience of being ousted as a scapegoat during a previous incident, noting that the core issues, such as NUPENG’s unchecked influence, remain unresolved.
For over a week now, IPMAN has resumed panic sales with a sharp increase in fuel prices as the standoff continues.
