Fuel Scarcity Paralyzes Aba
Many fuel stations in Aba, Abia State, shut down due to rising costs of sourcing petroleum products. High prices forced stations to stop selling at regulated rates. Residents now struggle to find affordable fuel in the city. The situation has worsened, affecting daily activities and transportation in Aba.
High Costs from Third-Party Marketers
Investigations reveal that operating stations sell petrol between ₦1,300 and ₦1,350 per litre, exceeding regulated rates. Many stations purchase fuel from third-party suppliers due to the NNPC’s lack of supply. Independent marketers haven’t received petroleum products from NNPC in months. As a result, fuel prices continue to rise, burdening consumers with higher costs.
IPMAN Speaks Out
Mazi Oliver Okolo, IPMAN Chairman in Aba, expressed frustration with the NNPC’s failure to supply fuel. He explained independent marketers are forced to purchase from middlemen at high prices. These high costs are driving up retail fuel prices for consumers. As a result, fuel prices continue to rise, impacting everyday Nigerians. “Our members now lift petrol at high costs, selling to motorists at higher prices,” Okolo noted.
Calls for Refinery Overhaul
Okolo also urged the federal government to make Nigeria’s 21 refineries functional, arguing that this would help reduce the cost of fuel and ease the financial burden on Nigerians. “If the refineries were working, people would be able to buy petrol at more affordable prices,” he emphasized.
NNPC’s Role in the Crisis
Chief Godfrey Chukwunyere, a member of IPMAN’s national executive, further criticized the NNPC for selling fuel to mega stations, major marketers, and independent marketers at varying rates. He argued that this inconsistency, along with inexperienced personnel handling key operations at the NNPC, is exacerbating the crisis.
Calls for Petroleum Sector Reform
Chukwunyere also called for a total overhaul of the petroleum sector and urged the federal government to ensure uniform pricing for petroleum products. This, he believes, will bring relief to independent marketers and consumers alike, easing the current fuel crisis in Aba and across Nigeria.
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