IPMAN: Fuel scarcity may last for two weeks

National Vice President of The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, has said the scarcity of petroleum products that hit some States may last for up to two weeks.

Most of retail stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were on Monday under lock and key.

Those that were opened to customers, ceased vending before dusk.

IDOMA VOICE had reported last week on imminent fuel scarcity.

Speaking with The Nation on phone, he blamed the scarcity on the EndSARS protests across the country.

According to him, Lagos, which is the epicentre of the crisis, also harbours most of petrol depots.

He noted the protest have degenerated to an imposition of a curfew, which has brought the haulage of products to a halt.

Maigandi said besides the curfew in Lagos, the marketers are afraid their truck might run into a crossfire and probably being set ablaze.

He explained since the stoppage of haulage of products has lasted for over a week, it might take some weeks to return to normalcy.

The National Vice President, however, said there is availability of stock.

He urged consumers to desist from panic buying.

He said: “You shouldn’t ask why petrol is scarce. Last week, I told you that some depots were not loading products.

“I told you that becuase of the protests our loaded trucks were parked in some yards for fear of being set on fire.

“It may take up to two weeks to normalise the situation. One good thing is that the products are available. So, customers should not involve themselves in panic buying. “