Many independent fuel marketers have suspended petrol purchases, while some filling stations have temporarily shut down amid uncertainty over fuel prices, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has revealed.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Sunday, IPMAN Western Zone Chairman, Oyewole Akanni, linked the development to the suspension of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) loading at the Dangote Refinery about four days ago.
According to Akanni, the halt in sales has forced marketers to source petrol from private depots, where ex-depot prices have risen sharply to between N1,200 and N1,220 per litre, excluding transportation costs.
“The non-availability of fuel at some filling stations and the closure of others are due to fluctuations in the price of lifting fuel from depots,” he said.
He explained that many marketers whose existing stocks had been exhausted were reluctant to buy at the current prices and were instead waiting for Dangote Refinery to resume sales in the hope that prices would drop.
“Since Dangote Refinery stopped selling PMS about four days ago, private depot owners have increased their prices,” Akanni added.
Despite the disruptions, the IPMAN official insisted there was no fuel scarcity and urged Nigerians not to panic-buy.
“There is no fuel scarcity. Members of the public should not panic,” he stated.
However, he warned that prolonged uncertainty could lead to an increase in pump prices across the country.
Akanni also disclosed that marketers had not received any official explanation from the refinery regarding the suspension. He said four truckloads of petrol meant for his filling stations had remained at the refinery since loading was halted.
He expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved soon, noting that normal supply and price stability could return once the Dangote Refinery resumes fuel sales.
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