COVID-19 Lockdown: Open for operations, IPMAN directs marketers

The National President of the Independent Petroleum Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, has directed all IPMAN members nationwide, to open their filling stations for service, while assuring  effective distribution of petrol to customers during the partial shutdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fresh Angle International can however, report that filling stations in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, can only operate between the hours of 8:00am to 12:00 noon daily, effective Wednesday April 1.

The statement of IPMAN, which was signed  by the National Operations Controller of the association, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, informed marketers that restriction on COVID-19 "Stay at Home",  does not apply to food processing, distribution, retail companies and petroleum distribution as well as retailing petroleum stations nationwide

Osatuyi stated that President Muhammadu Buhari, in his broadcast on Sunday March 29, emphasized that petroleum distribution and retailers are not included.

According to Osatuyi, "all members of the association should work with other stakeholders in the downstream sector in ensuring seamless operation in loading in both private depots and NNPC depots nationwide. 

"The Federal Government has assured security for our staff and members who are serving the country at this trying moment.

Osatuyi enjoined all IPMAN staff and members to wear there identification card either IPMAN identity card or our filling station company identification card in case of screening on the road and highway. 

He said: The National Executive Committee of IPMAN commended members nationwide and advise them to sell petrol at N125 approved price. 

"IPMAN also stand with all Nigerians and the Federal Government in this trying period.

"We commend the efforts of the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, all state governments and Federal Government and wish to reassure them of our commitment towards effective distribution of petroleum product across the nooks and cranny of the country will not be compromised.

"We appeal to Nigerians to adhered to government directives and maintain regular hygienic, sanitary practices as well as social distancing ", he said.

Our Energy Correspondent, National, reports that Osatuyi commended the management of NNPC under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director for assuring marketers of sufficient and prompt petroleum distribution

It would be recalled that Kyari on March 29, urged Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, as the country has adequate stock of the products to last for over 60 days.

Kyari assured that the NNPC had the support of all stakeholders to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products in the country.

He said: “There is absolutely no scarcity anywhere; our supply is robust, we have fuel that will last this country even for 60 days if assuming we do not import any.

“Of course people because of the pandemic, stay at home, may try to conserve fuel, there is no need to do this.

“Maintain your normal life, we have secured all assurances that trucks will be moving freely across the country throughout this period of difficulty and supply will be sustained’’.

He appealed to Nigerians not to flood fuel stations as there was no need for that.

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