IPMAN Threatens To Shut Down Southeast Over Imo Govt-PTD Crisis
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says it may be forced to join Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) if the lingering disagreement between the Imo State government and operators in the downstream sector in the state continues.
The marketers called on the Imo state government and other states in the region to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible before it threw the entire conflict into confusion.
IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States made the call in a Statement made available to newsmen on Monday.
The Depot Unit said it also service adjoining states of Imo, Abia, Benue, Kogi and Cross River
The Statement signed by Chinedu Anyaso and Mr Emeka Iloafor Chairman and Secretary respectively of IPMAN Enugu said the crisis in Imo was already affecting neighbouring states negatively.
IPMAN said it would join PTD which had withdrawn their services in sympathy while urging other governors in the region to intervene and bring an amicable solution to the Imo government- PTD faceoff.
It said the impasse was capable of throwing the entire Southeast into an energy crisis if not handled carefully.
“Wish to use this medium to appeal to our governors of Southeast states to intervene in the lingering crises between one of our members in Imo State.
” The PTD Nupeng and Imo State Government have been at loggerheads and this has led IPMAN members and PTD-NUPENG in Imo State to withdraw their services.
” PTD has stopped supply of petroleum products to Southeastern States and while IPMAN members have shut their outlets in Imo State.
“This has adversely affected supply to our members thereby causing scarcity.
“Your Excellencies, please consider the interest of our people and the economic implications, we are appealing for your immediate intervention,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the price of petrol has risen to between N170 and N185 as at Sunday evening in parts of Awka while some filling stations had run out of stock.
Recall that the Imo state government has had a lingering battle with IPMAN and PTD in the state over the demolition of a filling station in Orlu the state in 2017.
