Petroleum marketers refutes report on nationwide strike

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Saturday debunked an alleged report that some of its members had threatened to embark on nation-wide strike

This is contained in a statement issued by Mike Osatuyi, the National Operations Controller of IPMAN and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Osatuyi said that the association was informed that some marketers, who were not members of IPMAN, are threatening to go on strike over perceived imbalance in the sharing and distribution of petroleum products to marketers.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news briefing on AIT by some pocket of marketers parading themselves as IPMAN members, calling for nationwide strike over petroleum product sharing formula.

``The national body did not plan any strike action.

``We, the national body of the union are not planning to embark on any strike, because we don’t have any issues with the government whatsoever.

“We appeal to Nigerians and all independent marketers to go ahead with their normal business and avoid creating panic buying in the society,” he said.

Osatuyi commended NNPC over petrol intervention scheme given to marketers to augment distribution, urging government to make the product available to marketers.

The operation controller commended the steps taken by President Muhammadu Buhari to reposition the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for greater efficiency.

He said that the measures inspired hope and confidence in the future of the nation.

The IPMAN operations controller applauded Dr Ibe Kachikwu, 'a renowned oil industry expert with the needed global exposure, competence and integrity as Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC.

He said it was important for all IPMAN members to show-case what government was doing about special intervention petrol supply to marketers which came to the stations at no extra cost.

According to him, the Federal Government, through NNPC/PPMC, should be lauded for these special schemes.

“The only way to ensure total eradication of queues in the country is when this intervention of petrol supply is sustained.

Osatuyi, however, urged NNPC/PPMC to ensure sustainability of the product so that marketers could sell at approved price of N86.50k per litre.

He said the commitment of government in this regard was a clear demonstration of its readiness to partner with IPMAN on effective fuel distribution.

NAN reports that some group who identified themselves as IPMAN members on Dec. 15, 2015 issued a 14-day ultimatum to the NNPC to regularise the present formula or risk strike.