By Mustapha Usman, Kano
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, on Thursday debunked rumours that the federal government is planning to increase the price of petroleum.
The chairman of Kano branch of IPMAN, Bashir Danmallam, stated this in an interview with DAILY NIGERIAN in Kano.
He said the stakeholders held a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on how to bring a lasting solution to fuel crisis in Nigeria and agreed that the current pump price template be maintained.
He said the Federal Government was making effort to reconcile the stakeholders in a bid to end fuel crisis in the country.
He also revealed that the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, who chaired the meeting alongside Minister of Finance, advised the IPMAN to reconcile with NNPC on the Petroleum Equalization Fund, PEF.
Mr. Danmallam however expressed displeasure over media reports quoting one Zarma Mustapha as saying that the “NNPC had paid the PEF to the independent marketers”.
He also debunked the report which same Mustapha said Mr. Kyari ordered the reconciliation between IPMAN and other stakeholders.
“One Zarma Mustapha, who was not at the meeting swiftly reported in media that we have been paid our PEF. This is not true.
“He also said the chief of staff has ordered the reconciliation between us and other stakeholders. This is also not true and it is misleading.
“The chief of staff only advised us to reconcile in a bid to end fuel crisis in the country for the benefit of the citizens. He did not order the reconciliation, he only advised,” he added.
