By Mustapha Usman, Kano
As petroleum scarcity persists in Kano State, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has warned its members against hoarding and diverting the product.
The IPMAN chairman, Kano State branch, Bashir Danmallam, gave the stern warning in an exclusive interview with DAILY NIGERIAN correspondent on Wednesday.
He revealed that the association has set up a task force to severely punish any member found wanting.
Mr Danmallam attributed the lingering petroleum scarcity to the increase in its price by the private depots in Warri, Delta State, Calabar, Cross Rivers State and Lagos State and Porthacourt, Rivers State above the official price.
He noted that IPMAN was discussing with the federal government on the need to reduce the price.
“Another reason is that some of our vehicles that supply the product have broken down on their way to Kano. So the remaining commodities brought to Kano were insufficient for the people.”
“There is an issue of diesel. Although diesel is now becoming available as the Nigeria refineries have recently continued its production.
“Therefore, I call on the people to remain calm as no plans to increase the petroleum price and we are up and doing in ensuring this scarcity would not last long,” he added.
Mr Danmallam called on the general public not to buy fuel at the independent stations above the official N145 pump price.
He said whoever finds a station violating the directives should report the matter to the task force at IPMAN office on Maiduguri Road, opposite NNPC deport, Kano.
