The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Enugu depot, has stated that in the face of the hike in the price of petroleum in the country, the South Eastern part of the Nigeria is likely to experience more increment.
This was disclosed by Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of Enugu depot of IPMAN in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Friday.
He noted that this is because of the failure of the Government to reactivate the Emene depot since 2005, which is critical to the economy.
In addition, he noted that the depot has been instrumental to service delivery across some states like Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, parts of Imo, Abia, Cross River and North-Central, and Benue State.
“We want to use this opportunity to renew our appeal to the federal government to repair the Emene depot in Enugu so that our members can start loading products from here.
“This depot has been shut down for over 15 years due to what they called pipeline vandalism.” He said.
Furthermore, he noted that this has made marketers to suffer loss as a result of the inactivation.
“Our members are suffering and the people of the South-East and other areas that source products from the depot are suffering.
“For instance, the ex-depot price has been increased to N151.56, we will have to pay additional N14 for transportation and other expenses per litre depending on where we loaded before it is discharged in our stations.
“That will not be the case, if the product is pumped to the depot in Enugu and lifted from there, it will be much cheaper for us and enable us to sell between N160 and N162 per litre.” He said.
Besides, he noted that the Association is ready to work with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders with a view to fixing the depot.
“We are ready to work with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation on the security of pipelines. And fixing the Enugu Depot will also help a better-deregulated sector, which the federal government is pursuing.” He said.
